Hepatoprotective activity of polyphenolic compounds from Cynara scolymus against CCl4 toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes.

The hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes of some polyphenolic compounds, such as cynarin, isochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, luteolin-7-glucoside, and two organic acids, caffeic and quinic, from Cynara scolymus, is tested. Only cynarine and, to a lesser extent, caffeic acid showed cytoprotective action. The possible relationship between the molecular structure and the protective effect found is discussed.