Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt extract alleviating acute liver injury in mice induced by thioacetamide

Liver fibrosis is a significant public health concern and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide (2019). Perilla (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt - PF) is a herb with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties extensively employed in traditional medicine. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of perilla extract on mice with liver damage caused by Thioacetamide (TAA). Mice were induced liver damage by TAA and given perilla extract, then liver damage assessed through indicators: liver function (albumin index), liver enzymes (ALT, AST indices), liver necrosis and fibrosis by histological staining (H&E and Sirius red staining) and expression levels of genes related to fibrogenesis, antioxidant system and inflammation. Acute liver injury mice treated with PF extract decreased WBC count, biochemical indices: AST, ALT; improved serum ALB level; reduced percentage of necrotic and fibrotic area; diminished expression of myofibroblast marker α-sma and inflammatory cytokine IL6; upregulated expression of gene related to antioxidant system GPx, bax. The result suggested that TAA 150 mg/kg caused hepatotoxicity and 100 mg/kg Perilla Frutescens (L.) has a hepaprotective effect that can attenuate liver damage.