<i>Baccharis dracunculifolia</i> and Brazilian green propolis extracts improve “two-hit” liver injury in MICE

The hepatoprotective effects of <i>B. dracunculifolia</i> (HEBD) and BGP (HEGP) hydroalcoholic extracts were assessed in this study. Mice given oral 30% ethanol and LPS (2 mg/kg, i.p.) were administered either vehicle, silymarin (200 mg/kg), HEBD, or HEGP (30-300 mg/kg, p.o.) for 10 days. While both extracts decreased GPT serum levels at all doses, HEBD and HEGP (30 mg/kg) decreased GOT serum levels. While ethanol/LPS decreased GSH, GST, and CAT activities and increased liver MDA twice, HEBD or HEGP attenuated these changes. Additionally, MPO and NAG activities, as well as IL-6 and IL-10 levels, were decreased by HEGP and HEBD treatment. Mice exposed to ethanol/LPS had microsteatoses in their livers, which HEGP bu t not HEBD was able to decrease. The antioxidant and cytokine secretion and leukocyte migratory inhibitory properties of both extracts are responsible for their effects. To preserve liver health, green propolis formulations might be more promising.