Abstract

DEVELOPMENT AND SCIENTIFIC EVALUATION OF A NOVEL TAMARIND SUSPENSION FOR HEPATIC PROTECTION THROUGH FORMULATION OPTIMIZATION, PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING, AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDIES

Naresh B. Choudhary*, Prasad D. Bhujbal, Saurabh R. Nimse, Viraj N. Nirmal

ABSTRACT

The liver is a vital organ responsible for detoxification, metabolism, and homeostasis, yet it is highly vulnerable to oxidative stress and toxic injury from alcohol, drugs, and environmental agents. The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a novel herbal hepatoprotective suspension (LIV-AMRIT) developed from synergistic herbal ingredients including Tamarindus indica (Tamarind shells), Cyperus rotundus (Nagarmotha), Embelia ribes (Vivadang), Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy), Solanum nigrum (Makoy), and Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain). These herbs were selected for their rich phytochemical composition and proven hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The aqueous extract was prepared using Soxhlet extraction (1:10 drug-solvent ratio), yielding a concentrated polyherbal suspension stabilized with xanthan gum.The hepatoprotective mechanism of the formulation is primarily attributed to the NRF2–HO-1 antioxidant signaling pathway, which enhances cellular defense against ethanol-induced oxidative stress. Tamarind polyphenols upregulate aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, inhibit CYP2E1-mediated ROS generation, and activate NRF2, leading to increased expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and improved antioxidant status. Complementary herbs such as Nagarmotha, Giloy, Makoy, and Ajwain further support hepatocyte protection through modulation of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6), stabilization of cell membranes, enhancement of bile flow, and restoration of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, GSH). Physicochemical evaluation of the formulated suspension showed acceptable pH (4.0–7.5), viscosity (100–300 cps), and sedimentation stability (F ≥ 0.9), confirming its uniformity and patient acceptability. Overall, LIV-AMRIT demonstrated a promising multi-targeted hepatoprotective effect through antioxidant, detoxifying, and regenerative mechanisms. This herbal suspension offers a safe, natural, and effective alternative for the prevention and management of ethanol-induced and drug-induced hepatotoxicity.

Keywords: Hepatoprotective suspension, Tamarindus indica, NRF2–HO-1 pathway, Oxidative stress, Polyherbal formulation, Ethanol-induced liver injury.