INVESTIGATION OF THE HEPATOTOXIC EFFECTS OF SOME HERBAL PRODUCTS BY IN VITRO METHOD

Objective: This study investigated the hepatotoxic effects of the Ayurvedic plants Atractylis lancea, Stevia rebaudiana, and Senecio vulgaris exclusively through in vitro methods. Although many individuals use herbal products to support general health or relieve various symptoms, these products are often perceived as inherently safe due to their botanical origin. Such misconceptions may encourage their uncontrolled short- and long-term use, thereby posing potential health risks. In this context, the hepatotoxic potential of diterpene glycosides and pyrrolizidine alkaloids derived from Asteraceae species was examined in vitro using human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines to provide insights into their safety profiles. Material and Method: Two complementary cytotoxicity assays—MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase)—were applied to HepG2 cells cultured in vitro. Both assays are well-established, widely used, and reliable for assessing hepatocellular injury. Result and Discussion: The results emphasize the necessity of systematic toxicological evaluation of herbal products widely used in traditional medicine. Clarifying the mechanisms of xenobiotic-induced hepatotoxicity through in vitro studies is essential for risk assessment and for the predicting of potential health hazards. This study provides further insight into the hepatotoxic potential of Ayurvedic herbal products and highlights the need for cautious use within public health contexts.