Inhibitory effect of Solanum nigrum on thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in mice

AimSolanum nigrum (Solanaceae) has been used in traditional folk medicine for its hepatoprotective agent. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Solanum nigrum extract (SNE) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in mice.Materials and methodsHepatic fibrosis was produced by TAA (0.2 g/kg, i.p.) three times a week for 12 weeks. Mice in the three TAA groups were treated daily with distilled water and SNE (0.2 or 1.0 g/kg) via gastrogavage throughout the experimental period.ResultsSNE reduced the hepatic hydroxyproline and α-smooth muscle actin protein levels of TAA-treated mice. SNE inhibited TAA-induced collagene (α1)(I) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA levels in the liver. Histological examination also confirmed that SNE reduced the degree of fibrosis caused by TAA treatment.ConclusionOral administration of SNE significantly reduces TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice, probably through the reduction of TGF-β1 secretion.