Hepatoprotective Diterpenoids Isolated from Andrographis paniculata

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees (Acanthaceae), a plant widely used as traditional herbal medicine in many countries, has drawn attention of the researchers in recent years. Its major constituents are diterpenoids and flavonoids. This article reviews the anti-hepatotoxic effects of A. paniculata extract and derivative compounds, such as andrographolide, the major active compound, most studied for its bioactivities. Neoandrographolide shows anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatoxic properties. 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide and 14-deoxyabdrographolide have immunostimulatory, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-hepatotoxic activities. The hepatoprotective activities include 1) inhibiting carbontetrachloride (CCl4), tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced hepatic toxicity; 2) acting as cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) inducers; 3) modulating glutathione (GSH) content; 4) influence glutathione S-transferase (GSTP) activity and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt (PI3k/Akt) pathway; 5) synergistic effect with anti-cancer drugs induced apoptosis contributing to the bioactivities of A. paniculata extracts and isolated bioactive compounds. The articles reviewed suggest that the above compounds could be candidates for research and development as potential hepatoprotective drugs.