Evaluation of the Biological Properties and Antibacterial Activities of the Natural Food Supplement "Epavin" for Liver Detoxification and Protection.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The liver, the body's primary detoxifying organ, is often affected by various inflammatory diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), many of which can be exacerbated by secondary infections such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, bacteremia, and sepsis-particularly in patients with advanced liver dysfunction. The global rise in these conditions underscores the need for effective interventions. Natural products have attracted attention for their potential to support liver health, particularly through synergistic combinations of plant extracts. , a dietary supplement from Erbenobili S.r.l., formulated with plant extracts like (L.), (L.) , and (L.), known for their liver-supporting properties, has been proposed as adjuvant for liver functions. The aim of this work was to evaluate of 's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects against heavy metal-induced toxicity. In addition, the antibacterial effect of against a panel of bacterial strains responsible for infections associated with liver injuries has been evaluated.

METHODS

The protection against oxidative stress induced by HO was evaluated in HepG2 and BALB/3T3 cells using the dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay. Its anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by measuring the reduction in nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages using the Griess assay. Additionally, the cytoprotecting of against heavy metal-induced toxicity and oxidative stress were evaluated in HepG2 cells using the [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide] (MTT) and DCFH-DA assays. The antibacterial activity of was assessed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Gram-positive ( ATCC 29212, and BS, 25923, 29213, 43300, and BS) and Gram-negative ( 25922, and BS, 13883, 70063, and BS) bacterial strains using the microdilution method in broth, following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute's (CLSI) guidelines.

RESULTS

effectively reduced oxidative stress in HepG2 and BALB/3T3 cells and decreased NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, demonstrated a protective effect against heavy metal-induced toxicity and oxidative damage in HepG2 cells. Finally, it exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, with MIC values ranging from 1.5 to 6.0 mg/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

The interesting results obtained suggest that may serve as a valuable natural adjuvant for liver health by enhancing detoxification processes, reducing inflammation, and exerting antibacterial effects that could be beneficial in the context of liver-associated infections.