Effects of phenolic compounds on bromobenzene-mediated hepatotoxicity in mice.

1. The hepatic protective effects of the phenolic compounds 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, morin, silymarin, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid on bromobenzene-induced toxicity in mice were studied. 2. Morin, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid at an oral dose of 200 mg/kg failed to influence hepatotoxicity in vivo, while 7,8-dihydroxyflavone exhibited efficacy and potency higher than those of the reference compound silymarin. 3. 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone, an antioxidant and hepatoprotective agent in vitro, decreased serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase levels (SGPT) in a dose-related manner, and at 200 mg/kg inhibited bromobenzene-induced glutathione depletion in liver.