Protective Effects of Saponin Mixture, Isolated from <i>Astragalus monspessulanus</i> subsp. <i>monspessulanus</i> on Tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide—Induced Oxidative Stress in Isolated Rat Hepatocytes

Abstract

Saponin mixture, obtained from Astragalus monspessulanus subsp. monspessulanus (Fabaceae) was investigated for possible protective effect on tert -butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH)-induced cytotoxicity using primary isolated rat hepatocytes. The cells were isolated by two-stepped col-lagenase perfusion. Liver damage was induced by one hour incubation with t-BuOOH (75 μmol · L -1 ) and discerned by decreased cell viability, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage into the medium, increased production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and depletion of the cell protector glutathione (GSH). Cell pre-incubation with the saponin mixture (1 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL) significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated t-BuOOH-induced liver damage, judged by preserved cell viability, decreased activity of LDH, decreased MDA production and restoration of GSH. The effect was concentration-dependent, more pronounced in the highest concentration and comparable with those of silymarin, used as a positive control. The observed cytoprotective effect could be explained by the influence of the saponins on the mitochondrial function, disturbed by t-BuOOH toxic metabolites.