Bergenin (BG)

Bergenin is trihydroxybenzoic acid glycoside. It is the C-glycoside of 4-O-methyl gallic acid. It possesses an O-demethylated derivative called norbergenin. These are chemical compounds and drugs of Ayurveda, commonly known as Paashaanbhed. It shows a potent immunomodulatory effect. The hepatoprotective effects of bergenin, a major constituent of Mallotus japonicus, were evaluated against D-galactosamine (GalN)-induced liver damage in rats. Bergenin restored the decreased hepatic contents of glutathione as well as the decreased activities of glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase by GalN towards normalization, suggesting that the hepatoprotective effects of bergenin may consist in maintaining adequate levels of hepatic glutathione for the removal of xenobiotics. The present results indicate that bergenin has hepatoprotective effects against GalN-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.