Moquiniastrum polymorphum subsp. polymorphum extract inhibits the proliferation of an activated hepatic stellate cell line (GRX) by regulating the p27 pathway to generate cell cycle arrest.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The chosen plant and its extracts have been an alternative in the treatment of several inflammatory and oxidant diseases, and is therefore a viable option for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.

Aim Of The Study: This study aimed to use Moquiniastrum polymorphum subsp. polymorphum, mainly the ethanolic extract and fractions, in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.

Materials And Methods: Extracts were prepared from dried leaves in 100% ethanol (ET) and fractionated with an increased polarity solvent (dichloromethane to methanol). The quantification of compounds in the extracts was characterized by GCMS. The decrease in cell proliferation and the cytotoxicity of the extracts were evaluated together with the mechanisms of apoptosis and autophagy. The expression of genes associated with decreased fibrosis and cell cycle control was assessed and the production of lipid droplets was quantified by Oil Red O staining.

Results: The experiments showed that treatment with ET and fraction 1 (F1) inhibited the expression of CDKIs (CCDN1, CDK2, CDK4 and CDK6) through an increase in p27, related to an increase in autophagic vesicles. The extract and F1 were able to decrease proliferation and revert the activated state of GRX cells to their quiescent state.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that extracts obtained from Moquiniastrum polymorphum subsp. polymorphum have a potential therapeutic effect against liver fibrosis.