Hepatotoxic assessment of Chelidonium majus L. and its alkaloids in primary hepatocyte cultures of different species

Herbal extracts of Chelidonium majus have been widely used in European countries and in Chinese herbal medicines for different applications, based on their anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties and their use against various liver disorders including cancer. Recently, several cases of liver disease have been related to C. majus intake. Therefore, we have used primary hepatocyte cultures of human, rat, canine and monkey to elucidate the potential hepatotoxicity of C. majus. Water-soluble extracts were prepared and incubated with primary hepatocytes. Cellular viability and functions were analy…