Anti-icteric effect mediated by hepatoprotective activity of Amaranthus spinosus L. evaluated through phytochemicals analysis, liver biochemical parameters, antioxidant assays and PKC pathway modulation

ISLAM et al.: ANTI-ICTERIC EFFECT OF A. SPINOSUS L. THROUGH PKC PATHWAY MODULATION.

Abstract

Protein kinase C (PKC) and its active forms, phospho-PKC (pPKC), are key mediators of Hepatic jaundice. Despite modern drugs, plant-based therapies in are preferred for safer and effective alternatives. Although Amaranthus spinosus L. roots is traditionally used for jaundice management in Assam, the scientific validation of hepatic anti-icteric activity by PKC pathway mechanism remains limited. This study systematically evaluated the hepatic anti-icteric activity of A. spinosus roots through phytochemical screening, liver biochemical analysis, antioxidant activity and PKC pathway modulation.
A. spinosus roots fractionation was performed by Soxhalation with Chloroform, Ethyl acetate, Methanol and Hydro-alcohol (1:9). The methanol extract of Amaranthus spinosus roots (MEAS) showed greater bioactive compounds mainly alkaloids and phenolics and significantly higher antioxidant potential. MEAS contained 14 compounds identified by GC-MS, in which “(22E)-Ergosta-5,22-dien-3-ol” served as a key bioactive compound with strong binding affinity (-6.20 kcal/mol) against PKC. MEAS showed Significant (p < 0.01) reductions in ROS and PKC/pPKC activity in HepG2 cells. MEAS at 400 mg/kg markedly (p < 0.001) restored serum biochemical markers and improved hepatic histoarchitecture. These findings validate the traditional use of A. spinosus roots and highlight its potential as a therapeutic agent for hepatic anti-icteric potential via PKC pathway mechanism.