Determination of Flavonoids Extracted from Helichrysum rubicundum and Evaluation of their Hepatoprotective properties in Toxic Liver Cirrhosis

Flavonoids are the most prevalent and widely distributed phenolic compounds found in plants demonstrating a variety of biological and pharmacological effects. They are the primary constituents of Helichrysi flos, a popular herbal remedy in indigenous medicine used as a hepatoprotective, choleretic, diuretic, spasmolytic and detoxifying agent. Among the least studied is Helichrysum rubicundum, which is widely distributed in the flora of Armenia. This study aims to investigate Helichrysum rubicundum (C. Koch.) to determine its flavonoid content and assess the hepatoprotective properties of its extract (referred to as FLR) by evaluating its impact on the liver cirrhosis. To determine the flavonoid composition of Helichrysum rubicundum (C. Koch.), we used an UHPLC ESI-QToF system. The hepatoprotective properties of the FLR were evaluated by analyzing its effects on the histological structure of the liver in an animal model of toxic cirrhosis. According to our research, the dried extract of Helichrysum rubicundum contains almost all types of flavonoids. FLR demonstrated hepatoprotective properties by counteracting pathological changes induced by CCl₄. Treatment with FLR preserved the lobular architecture of the liver, with only mild fibrosis and limited inflammatory foci around the portal tracts. Helichrysum rubicundum (C.Koch.) specie of genus Helichrysum exhibits anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic and strong hepatoprotective properties due to its rich flavonoid composition. These findings suggest its potential as a raw material for developing of new hepatoprotective agents, warranting further in-depth and comprehensive studies.