Protective effect of Mangifera indica L. extract (Vimang®) on the injury associated with hepatic ischaemia reperfusion

The effect of Mangifera indica L. extract (Vimang®) on treatment of injury associated with hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion was tested. Vimang® protects from the oxidative damage induced by oxygen‐based free radicals as shown in several in vitro test systems conducted. The ability of Vimang® to reduce liver damage was investigated in rats undergoing right‐lobe blood flow occlusion for 45 min followed by 45 min of reperfusion. The ischaemia/reperfusion model leads to an increase of transaminase (ALT and AST), membrane lipid peroxidation, tissue neutrophil infiltration, DNA fragmentation, loss of protein ‐SH groups, cytosolic Ca2+ overload and a decrease of catalase activity. Oral administration of Vimang® (50, 110 and 250 mg/kg, b.w.) 7 days before reperfusion, reduced transaminase levels and DNA fragmentation in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.05). Vimang® also restored the cytosolic Ca2+ levels and inhibited polymorphonuclear migration at a dose of 250 mg/kg b.w., improved the oxidation of total and non protein sulfhydryl groups and prevented modification in catalase activity, uric acid and lipid peroxidation markers (p < 0.05). These data suggest that Vimang® could be a useful new natural drug for preventing oxidative damage during hepatic injury associated with free radical generation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.