Development of phytotherapeutic formulations against hepatosteatozis

The aim of this thesis project was to develop evidence-based phytopharmaceutical products and prove their effects using pharmacopeia quality herbal drug preparations on the liver and associated diseases. Based on ethnobotanical and experimental literature data Salvia fruticosa Mill. leaves, Taraxacum officinale L. aerial parts, Malva sylvestris L. flowers, Tanacetum parthenium L. aerial parts, Plantago ovata Forssk. seeds, and Allium sativum L. bulb extracts were prepared according to the European Pharmacopoeia and were standardized by High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) as well as by High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), respectively. Standardized extracts were evaluated in the fatty liver model by in vitro cell culture, where M. sylvestris and S. fruticosa extracts were selected for further in vivo studies. Microemulsion type novel formulations were prepared by titration method. M. sylvestris 70% ethanol extract (75, 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg) and S. fruticosa ethanol extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) were loaded to the formulations. The extract formulations were applied to rats by gavage, and weekly weight monitoring was performed. The serum and liver samples were evaluated by biochemical analysis, and the liver tissues were examined histopathologically for balloon cell formation, lobular inflammation, and macro-microsteatosis, respectively. In accordance with biochemical and histopathological evaluations, both extracts showed a dose-dependent effect. No toxicity was observed at doses up to 5 g in in vivo acute toxicity experiments.