Effects of methanolic extracts of Epilobium parviflorum on growth and function of human liver cells HepG2

Epilobium parviflorum, the willow-herb, extracts contain strong antioxidant compounds and inhibit few types of cancer cell. This study investigates for the first time the effect of its extracts on the growth of human liver cells HepG2, also under oxidative stress.

Methanolic extract of roots, shoots and flowers was prepared separately. Cell viability was assessed by MTT method after 48 hours of treatments with extracts and then with or without hydrogen peroxide treatment. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts as well as the activities of transaminases, superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidase were measured in the treated cells.

None of the extracts showed cytotoxicty against HepG2 cells, nevertheless cell viability in treatment with aerial and root extracts was significantly increased (P<0.05). In the oxidative stress model, the survival of cells pretreated with extracts, especially methanolic extracts of aerial parts, increased significantly (P<0.05). Pretreatment with this extract in cells under oxidative stress decreased the concentration of MDA and the activity of intracellular ALT and AST enzymes and also increased the activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme compared to the control. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was comparable to that of Trolux.

Methanolic extract of Epilobium parviflorum showed no cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells and probably protect human liver cells against oxidative stress. It can be a valuable suggestion for preventing liver damages.