The hepatoprotective effects of aquatic extract of Levisticum officinale against paraquat hepatocyte toxicity

Paraquat is extensively used as a strong nitrogen-based herbicide for controlling weeds in agriculture. This herbicide is extremely toxic to humans and induces multiorgan failure due to accumulation in the cells. So far, many instances of fatal poisoning have been reported. Paraquat is metabolized primarily in the liver. Accordingly, the effects of aquatic Levisticum officinale extract on biochemical factors and oxidative status were evaluated in hepatocytes exposed to paraquat in this study. The results showed that paraquat-induced hepatocyte destruction is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The aquatic extracts of Levisticum officinale (100, 200, and 300μg/mL) could prevent lipid peroxidation and reduction in the potential of mitochondrial membranes (P