Effects of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix on Prevention of Hyperlipidemia and Liver Damage Induced by Alcohol

백수오(白首烏)가 알콜 투여로 유발된 흰쥐의 고지혈증과 간 손상의 예방에 미치는 영향

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the effects of water extract from Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix on prevention of hyperlipidemia and liver damage induced by alcohol. Methods: Except for the normal group, we fed rat on 25% alcohol for 55 days. And water extracts from Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix were administrated for the Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix group during the same period. We measured the serum components in rat's blood, body weight and weight of liver. Results: At first, we observed effects of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix on prevention of hyperlipidemia induced by alcohol. Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix group showed significant decrease of total cholesterol and triglyceride in comparison with those of the control group. Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix group showed significant increase of HDL-cholesterol in comparison with those of the control group. Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix group showed significant increase of body weight in comparison with those of the control group in 4weeks and 8weeks. At second, we observed effects of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix on prevention of liver damage induced by alcohol. Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix group showed significant decrease of GPT and ALP in comparison with those of the control group. Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix group showed significant increase of liver weight in comparison with those of the control group. Conclusions: Reviewing these experimental results, it appears that water extracts from Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix have pharmaceutical efficacy on prevention of hyperlipidemia and liver damage induced by alcohol. Therefore further additional study should be conducted to elucidate in depth the pharmaceutical efficacy of these.