HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF INDICOFERA TINCTORIA AQUEOUS EXTRACT AGAINST ETHANOL INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a prevalent global health issue associated with high morbidity and mortality, largely due to alcohol-induced liver injury. The pathogenesis of ALD is driven by a combination of oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokine production, and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to hepatocyte damage. Ethanol metabolism generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which deplete cellular antioxidants and contribute to lipid peroxidation, further exacerbating liver dysfunction. Despite significant advances in understanding these mechanisms, there is a lack of effective pharmacological treatments for ALD, emphasizing the need for hepatoprotective agents. Indigofera tinctoria L. (true indigo), a medicinal plant traditionally used for treating liver ailments, has shown promise in preliminary studies for its hepatoprotective effects. The present study aims to evaluate the protective efficacy of I. tinctoria aqueous extract against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cells, a widely used in vitro model for liver studies. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The study further explores the cytotoxicity of I. tinctoria extract on HepG2 cells and its potential for mitigating ethanol-induced toxicity, contributing to the validation of its traditional use in liver disorders