Hepatoprotective effect of the Sechium HD-Victor hybrid extract in a model of liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice

Abstract

Sechium spp., is a vegetable species renowned for its pharmacological properties, including hepatoprotective activity. This species can crossbreed with its wild relatives, leading to the creation of an HD-Victor hybrid with higher levels of flavonoids, cucurbitacins, and phenolic acids compared to the Sechium edule. However, the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of this hybrid are not well-known. We investigated the hepatoprotective effect of HD-Victor hybrid extract on a hepatic-damage mouse model induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). We conducted a phytochemical characterization and quantified its antioxidant activity. Subsequently, we evaluated the extract at different concentrations, testing the potential to mitigate liver damage induced by CCl₄. After, we performed tests to assess liver function through AST, ALT, ALP and albumin, antioxidant levels, and histopathological examination. Our findings reveal that HD-Victor hybrid extract is rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids, and cucurbitacins and shows DPPH-free radical inhibition, protection in liver function, and increased antioxidant levels. Therefore, the Sechium HD-Victor hybrid extract exerts a protective effect against hepatic damage induced by oxidative stress, showing its potential as a hepatoprotective agent.