ROLE OF VICIA FABA FRUIT EXTRACT AGAINST CYTOTOXICITY INDUCED BY ACETAMINOPHEN IN PRIMARY CULTURED RAT HEPATOCYTES

Objective: In the present study, Vicia faba fruit extract was screened for their hepatoprotective activity against cytotoxicity induced by acetaminophen in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. Methods: Vicia faba fruit, seed and leaf were subjected to assessment of its total phenolic content, reducing power, free radical scavenging activity, superoxide anion radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation. HPLC analysis, DNA damage protection and hepatoprotective activities of V. faba fruit extract were also analysed. Results: Among the tested extracts, V. faba fruit extract exhibited highest total phenolic content (104.90 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g), reducing power (0.83 ascorbic acid equivalents (ASE)/ml), free radical scavenging activity (IC 50 = 31.27 μg/ml), superoxide anion radical scavenging activity (IC 50 = 33.52 μg/ml) and LPO (IC 50 = 621.75 μg/ml). HPLC of V. faba fruit extract showed presence of polyphenols i.e. gallic acid (70.81 mg/100g) and catechin (49.63 mg/100g) and showed a significant reduction in the formation of nicked calf thymus DNA against either Fenton’s reagent or UV radiation. Supplementation of V. faba fruit extract conferred significant protection against cytotoxicity induced by acetaminophen in primary cultured rat hepatocytes in comparison to standard hepatoprotectant silymarin. Conclusion : V. faba fruit extract possesses significant antioxidant, DNA damage protective and hepatoprotective activities and may be used for management of drug induced liver injury.