Deciphering the protective efficacy of Portulaca quadrifida extract in Mitigating Cisplatin-Induced Oxidative Hepatotoxicity: Correlative in vivo and in silico analyses

Cisplatin (CIS) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, but it can cause oxidative stress-induced hepatotoxicity. In this study, in-vivo tests exhibited the preventive benefits of Portulaca quadrifida extract (PqE) against liver damage caused by cisplatin. Antioxidant activity in the liver (TBARS, GSH, GPx, SOD, CAT) and liver function tests (SGOT, SGPT, ALP, GGT) were assessed, and the ranges drastically dropped after toxic induction in the liver, as per the dosage levels. in silico docking studies revealed that three compounds from PqE (tetradecamethylcycloheptasiloxane, dimethyl sulfoxide, and dodecanoic acid) showed higher binding affinities towards target proteins. RMSF values were 0.24 ± 0.12 nm, 0.30 ± 0.16 nm, and 0.44 ± 0.24 nm, while the average RMSD values for the 4ZZJ-APO, 4ZZJ-DDA, and 4ZZJ-DMS were 1.03 ± 0.07 nm, 0.66 ± 0.11 nm, and 0.70 ± 0.23 nm. Additionally, dynamic stability and compactness (Rg) were demonstrated by achieving 2.34 ± 0.02 nm, 2.28 ± 0.05 nm, and 2.38 ± 0.10 nm, and SASA metrics showed 182.48 ± 4.51 nm, 181.83 ± 8.10 nm, and 189.40 ± 4.07 nm. Additionally, average intra-hydrogen bond values of 244.03 ± 8.69 nm, 245.51 ± 8.64 nm, and 243.84 ± 8.07 nm were also obtained. These results suggest that PqE protects the liver by modulating oxidative stress pathways and stabilizing key protein interactions. Overall, the study highlights the potential of PqE as a promising hepatoprotective agent for preventing cisplatin-induced liver damage.