Inclusive Roles of Protocetraric Acid, a Secondary Metabolite from the Common Green Shield Lichen Flavoparmelia caperata in Alcohol-induced Hepatic Injury

Flavoparmelia caperata belongs to the family Parmeliaceae which is a huge family of lichens and comprises of species that draw much attention about pharmacological activities. Several medicinally important compounds have been reported in this lichen. Protocetraric acid is among the major metabolites possessed by this lichen. Hence, the present study is designed to look into the more inclusive role of proto-cetraric acid in case of alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Thirty rats were randomly divided into six groups: Group 1 served as the control group, Group 2 received ethanol, Group 3 received F. caperata ethan-olic extract (FCE) 50 mg/kg, Group 4 received FCE 100 mg/kg, Group 5 received FCE 200 mg/kg and Group 6 received Liv.52 (Standard drug). At the end of the experiment, biochemical parameters, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory mediators, caspase-3 and 8 activities were studied. The liver tissues were further examined histopathologically for localization of areas of severe hepatotoxicity. Cell viability was determined by using the MTT assay in MCF-7 and HepG2 cells. Moreover, FCE increased cell viability. Protocetraric acid, erythritol, and myo-inositol were detected in GC-MS analysis. The outcomes of this study reveal that FCE may prove to be supportive in the treatment of alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress. Results of different markers have revealed that among all, FCE (100 mg/kg) has demonstrated the best hepatoprotective activity. It also ameliorated the morphological changes induced by alcohol. These observa-tions speak about the significance of the components of the lichen extract. The corrective action of FCE in alcohol-induced liver damage may be due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities.