Phytochemical profile and hepatoprotective effects of crotalaria vialattei against antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a global public health concern, and its treatment is frequently associated with hepatotoxic side effects. Phytotherapy represents a promising complementary approach. This study aimed to characterize the phenolic profile of the n-butanol extract of Crotalaria vialattei (BCV), evaluate its antioxidant capacity, and assess its hepatoprotective effects against liver damage induced by a fixed-dose antituberculosis drug combination containing rifampin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide (RHZ). Phytochemical analysis revealed a phenolic-rich extract, identifying 17 polyphenolic compounds. BCV exhibited measurable antioxidant activity in vitro. In vivo, oral administration of RHZ (rifampin 150 mg/kg, isoniazid 75 mg/kg, and pyrazinamide 400 mg/kg) induced marked alterations in hepatic biochemical markers, lipid profile, oxidative status, and liver histoarchitecture. BCV treatment significantly attenuated these changes by improving liver enzyme activities, restoring oxidative balance, and preserving liver architecture. Overall, the BCV extract demonstrates antioxidant-associated hepatoprotective potential against RHZ-induced liver injury and may represent a promising complementary strategy to reduce antituberculosis drug-related hepatotoxicity.