Abstract:

To assess the potential effect of total flavonoids of epimedium (TFE) on cytochrome P450 and activity of its main isoforms in rat liver microsomes. TFE (300 mg/kg) was administered once daily to male Sprague-Dowley rats by gavage for fifteen days. The total cytochrome P450 content and its main isoforms CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and CYP2El activities in rat liver microsomes were detected. The activity of CYP1A2 was measured by fluorometry and the activities of CYP3A4 and CYP2El were determined by measuring the amount of methanal and p-aminophenol formed using UV/Vis spectrophotometer, respectively. Administration of TFE significantly increased the total CYP450 content and activities of CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and CYP2El in rat liver microsomes, compared with the control group. Particularly, the activities of CYP1A2 and CYP2El were enhanced significantly (P<0.01). TFE induced the increase in total CYP450 content and its main isoforms CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and CYP2El activities in rat liver microsomes.

Key words: Total flavonoids, Total flavonoids, Epimedium, Epimedium, Liver microsomes, Liver microsomes, Rat, Rat, CYP450, CYP450, Enzyme activities, Enzyme activities, ,