Protective role of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) flower extract against cadmium- and lead-induced cytotoxicity and transforming growth factor β1-stimulated expression of smooth muscle α-actin estimated with rat liver cell lines

► First shows litchi flower extract against cadmium-induced hepatocytotoxicity. ► First shows litchi flower extract against lead-induced hepatocytotoxicity. ► First shows litchi flower extract against TGF-β1-stimulated HSCs activation. ► These effects should be attributed to the antioxidant action of the extract. ► Litchi flower should have the potential to be exploited for hepatoprotection.