Hepatitis: Sharma OP

Sharma OP, Sharma S, Pattabhi V, Mahato SB, Sharma PD. · Biochemistry Laboratory, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station. Kangra Valley, Palampur, India. · Crit Rev Toxicol. · Pubmed #17453937 No free full text.

Abstract: Lantana (Lantana camara Linn) is a noxious weed that grows in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Ingestion of lantana foliage by grazing animals causes cholestasis and hepatotoxicity. Both ruminants and nonruminant animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits, and female rats are susceptible to the hepatotoxic action of lantana toxins. The hepatotoxins are pentacyclic triterpenoids called lantadenes. Molecular structure of lantadenes has been determined. Green unripe fruits of the plant are toxic to humans. Lantana spp. exert allelopathic action on the neighboring vegetation. The allelochemicals have been identified as phenolics, with umbelliferone, methylcoumarin, and salicylic acid being the most phytotoxic. In addition to phenolics, a recent report indicates lantadene A and B as more potent allelochemicals. Management of lantana toxicosis in animals is achieved by drenching with activated charcoal and supportive therapy. Recent reports on the bilirubin clearance effect of Chinese herbal tea Yin Zhi Huang (decoction of the plant Yin Chin, Artemisia capillaries, and three other herbs) or its active ingredient 6,7-dimethylesculetin, in jaundice are very exciting and warrant investigations on its, possible, ameliorative effects in lantana intoxicated animals. Research is being conducted on new drug discovery based on natural products in different parts of the lantana plant.

Sharma S, Sharma OP, Singh B, Bhat TK. · Biochemistry Laboratory, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh, Palampur, India. · Toxicon. · Pubmed #10736473 No free full text.

Abstract: Oral administration of lantana (Lantana camara var. aculeata) leaf powder to guinea pigs at a dose of 6 g/ kg body weight elicited cholestasis. The animals were euthanized 48 h after dosing. Liver homogenates, bile, gall bladder, blood, urine, contents of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and faeces were analysed for the principal hepatotoxin in lantana leaves viz. lantadene A (LA), its congeners and biotransformation products, using high performance liquid chromatographic technique. Lantadenes could not be detected in liver, bile, gall bladder, blood and urine samples. LA and lantadene B (LB), their derivatives reduced lantadene A (RLA), reduced lantadene B (RLB) and two unidentified metabolites could be detected in the contents of lower GIT and faeces. In vitro incubation of lantana leaf powder with guinea pig caecal contents under anaerobic conditions elicited biotransformation of LA and LB to RLA and RLB, respectively. On the other hand, incubation of lantana leaf powder with cattle rumen liquor under anaerobic conditions did not elicit biotransformation of lantadenes.

Sharma S, Sharma OP, Dawra RK, Bhat TK. · Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Kangra Valley, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. · Toxicol Lett. · Pubmed #10092057 No free full text.

Abstract: Lantadene A (LA) administered orally to guinea pigs elicited cholestasis. LA could not be detected in liver, bile, gall bladder, blood and urine. LA and its biotransformation product reduced lantadene A (RLA) could be detected in caecum, large intestine, and faeces. In vitro incubation of LA with liver homogenates under aerobic and anaerobic conditions did not elicit its biotransformation to RLA. On the other hand, in vitro incubation of LA with guinea pig caecal and large intestinal contents under anaerobic conditions elicited conversion of LA to RLA. This is the first report of the biotransformation of LA in the animal system.