LC-MS/MS exploration of biocomponents and hepatoprotective activity of <i>Ageratum houstonianum</i> Mill in a rat model of thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a reversible pathological condition, whereas cirrhosis, the end-stage of liver fibrosis, is irreversible. Ageratum houstonianum Mill. is one of the important medicinal plants introduced to Egypt. DNA fingerprints were investigated to characterise the Egyptian plant. LC–MS/MS analysis was performed to elucidate the metabolite profile of A. houstonianum Mill. leaves. The data identified 39 and 49 metabolites including polyphenolics and lipids in negative and positive ion modes, respectively. The hepatoprotective activity of the leaves of A.houstonianum in a rat model of thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis was performed. At the dose, 300 mg/kg of leaf extract showed significant protection from elevated total bilirubin levels 4.76%. A molecular docking study was performed to explore the potential mechanism underlying the observed hepatoprotective activity. As a result, it was suggested that A. houstonianum Mill. exerted a hepatoprotective effect comparable to silymarin and might directly improve the structural and functional integrities of the liver.