Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical constituents of petroleum ether extract from Artemisia integrifolia L (AIPEE) and to evaluate its hepatoprotective potential and in vivo antioxidant effects. Six compounds, namely eugenol (1), linolenic acid (2), 6,7-epoxy-linolenic acid (3), linoleic acid (4), oleic acid (5) and hexadecanoic acid (6) were isolated from the AIPEE. Oral administration of AIPEE significantly reduced carbon tetrachloride-induced elevations in the levels of plasma markers of hepatic damage and lipid peroxidation. It also rescued histopathologic alterations observed in the liver and levels of oxidative stress markers. AIPEE exhibited antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities in vivo, which may be attributable to its chemical constituents such as five fatty acids and eugenol.

Key words: Artemisia integrifolia L., fatty acids, eugenol, antioxidant, hepatoprotection.