Effects of <i>Helichrysum maracandicum</i> polyphenols on mitochondrial membrane permeability integrity in a rat model of toxic hepatitis
Abstract
We examined whether polyphenol fractions from Helichrysum maracandicum could influence passive ion permeability of liver mitochondrial membranes in rats exposed to carbon tetrachloride. Mitochondrial permeability was evaluated indirectly by monitoring time-dependent changes in optical density of the mitochondrial suspension, which reflect changes ion flux across the inner membrane. Treatment with the extracts influenced the passive transport of monovalent cations, including potassium (K⁺), sodium (Na⁺), and hydrogen (H⁺). The most evident changes were detected in K⁺ permeability at a dose of 20 mg, whereas alterations in Na⁺ and H⁺ transport were comparatively moderate. Overall, our data show that the extracts reduced the severity of membrane damage, although mitochondrial parameters did not completely return to control values.