Hepatoprotective effects of Astragalus kahiricus root extract against ethanol-induced liver apoptosis in rats

The hepatoprotective activity of the ethanol extract of Astragalus kahiricus(Fabaceae) roots against ethanol-induced liver apoptosis was evaluated and it showed very promising hepatoprotective actions through different mechanisms.The extract counteracted the ethanol-induced liver enzymes leakage and glutathione depletion.In addition,it demonstrated anti-apoptotic effects against caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation that were confirmed by liver histopathological examination.Moreover,the phytochemical study of this extract led to the isolation of four cycloartane-type triterpenes identified as astrasieversianin II(1),astramembrannin II(2),astrasieversianin XIV(3),and cycloastragenol(4).The structures of these isolates were established by HRESI-MS and 1D and 2D NMR experiments.The antimicrobial,antimalarial,and cytotoxic activities of the isolates were further evaluated,but none of them showed any activity.