Hepatoprotective effect of lupeol and lupeol linoleate on tissue antioxidant defence system in cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpene and its ester derivative, lupeol linoleate, were investigated for their possible hepatoprotective effect against cadmium-induced toxicity in rats. Cadmium intoxicated rats showed elevated levels of malondialdehyde (basal and induced), and decreased levels of antioxidants and antioxidising enzymes in the liver. The oral administration of triterpenes (150 mg/kg, once a day for 3 days before injection of cadmium chloride) changed the tissue redox system by scavenging the free radicals and by improving the antioxidant status of the liver. Lupeol linoleate had a better effect on the antioxidant status of the liver, when compared to lupeol. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science BN. All rights reserved.