Trigonelline: a new natural hepatoselective fibrosuppressive agent

Trigonelline: Hepatoselective Fibrosuppressive Agent

Abstract

Background and Aim: Trigonelline (L-proline analogue) has been commonly used as a traditional food and medicine. This study was done to evaluate the possible prophylactic effect of trigonelline on CCL₄ treated rats as a model for liver fibrosis.

Methods: 24 adult female rats weighting (200-250 gm) were divided into four groups; the first (negative control), second ⁽CCL₄), third (CCl₄ + trigonelline) and the fourth (CCl₄ + silymarin; positive control). After eight weeks of treatment, blood and liver samples were taken for assessment of liver functions.

Results: In comparison with the CCl₄ group; trigonelline group showed a decrease in the serum level of ALT and AST, increase in the manual platelet count, a significant decrease in the APRI index, relatively preserved liver architecture with appearance of signs of liver regeneration with highly significant decrease in staging of fibrosis. In the treatment group, a few collagen fibers were found without the formation of fibrous septa by masson trichrome stain, decrease in the area occupied by collagen using image analysis and a few α-SMA positive cells. In comparison with silymarin group; trigonelline group showed decreased area occupied by collagen in image analysis, highly significant decrease in staging of fibrosis and a significant decrease in APRI index.

Conclusion: Trigonelline appears to be an effective hepatoprotective drug against liver fibrosis in CCl₄ induced model of fibrosis.