Antioxidant properties and hepatoprotective effect of the edible halophyte Crithmum maritimum L. against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

A number of studies have shown the importance of halophyte species as sources of natural antioxidants. Crithmum maritimum is considered an edible and medicinal plant, though in vivo studies of this plant still are necessary to elucidate its potential benefits in alleviating toxicity. The present work was undertaken to investigate the major components and the antioxidant profile of C. maritimum leaf hydro-methanolic extract (CME) and the protective effects of C. maritimum (CM) against CCl 4 -induced toxicity in rats. Using LC–ESI–MS analysis, 17 phenolic compounds were identified in plant extract, with chlorogenic acid being the major component. The levels of total phenolic acids, total flavonoids and flavonols were ca. 26 mg GAE/g DW, 15.6 mg CE/g DW and 12 mg QE/g DW, respectively. Accordingly, CME showed important in vitro antioxidant activities (DPPH and ORAC). Moreover, CM supplementation to CCl 4 -intoxicated rats partially restored the impaired hepatic markers (ALT and AST activities and creatinine level), and reduced the CCl 4 -induced oxidative stress as shown by lipid peroxidation, GSH and protein carbonyl levels. The drug metabolizing system was also evaluated in liver by the measurement of some cytochrome P450-dependent activities such as ECOD, EROD and pNPH and the antioxidant DT-diaphorase, CAT and heme oxygenase activities. Thus, CM treatment reduced the enzymatic perturbations induced by CCl 4 and hepatic damages observed from histopathological examination. The obtained results highlight the potential interest of C. maritimum as a source of bioactive compounds with relevant hepatoprotective effects. Graphic abstract