• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.1534-1542
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• 2007

In this study, the liver protective effect of the hot water extracts of Scutellaria radix (SR) was investigated. The SR exhibited a hepatoprotective activity against $CCl_4$-induced liver damage in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and Chang cell. And the SR also showed significant decrease of malodialdehyde (MDA) and increase of glutathion (GSH), catalase activity in rat liver homogenate. The expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), measured by RT-PCR and western blot, was significantly decreased in the SR treated SD rats and Chang cell. But $CCl_4$ and SR has no significant effect on 1A1 and 3A1 isoform of cytochrome P450. Based on these findings, it is suggested that hepatoprotective effects of SR possibly related to antioxidative effects and downregulation of CYP2E1 expression.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.20-28
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var. (PF) sprout is a plant of the labiate family. We have previously reported the protective effects of PF sprout extract on cytokine-induced ${\beta}-cell$ damage. However, the mechanism of action of the PF sprout extract in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has not been investigated. The present study was designed to study the effects of PF sprout extract and signaling mechanisms in the T2DM mice model using C57BL/KsJ-db/db (db/db) mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male db/db mice were orally administered PF sprout extract (100, 300, and 1,000 mg/kg of body weight) or rosiglitazone (RGZ, positive drug, 1 mg/kg of body weight) for 4 weeks. Signaling mechanisms were analyzed using liver tissues and HepG2 cells. RESULTS: The PF sprout extract (300 and 1,000 mg/kg) significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in db/db mice. PF sprout extract also significantly improved glucose intolerance and insulin sensitivity, decreased hepatic gluconeogenic protein expression, and ameliorated histological alterations of the pancreas and liver. Levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) protein expression also increased in the liver after treatment with the extract. In addition, an increase in the phosphorylation of AMPK and decrease in the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose 6-phosphatase proteins in HepG2 cells were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results sugges that PF sprout displays beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes via modulation of the AMPK pathway and inhibition of gluconeogenesis in the liver.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.95-100
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• 2006

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Salicornia herbacea L. (SH) on carbon tetrachloride $(CCl_4)-induced$ hepatotoxicity. Sprague-Dawley rats were intraperitoneally administered the SH at 100 mg/kg per day for two weeks. Then single dose of $CCl_4$ (3.3 ml/kg) was injected into rats. Twelve hours later, they were anesthesized with ether and dissected. $SH-CCl_4-administered$ group showed $65.56\%\;and\;59.04\%$ of inhibitory effects in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, compared to $CCl_4-treated$ group (p<0.05). Malonedialdehyde (MDA) levels of $SH-CCl_4-administered$ group in liver homogenate and mitochondria were significantly inhibited by $53.74\%,\;89.86\%$, and respectively, compared to $CCl_4-treated$ group (p<0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of $SH-CCl_4-administered$ group in liver homogenate and mitochondria were significantly inhibited by $42.51\%,\;and\;38.42\%$, respectively, compared to $CCl_4-treated$ group (p<0.05). The histological examinations showed that the liver cell necrosis and centrilobular congestive aggregation induced by $CCl_4$ were clearly eliminated by the administration of SH. These results suggest that SH could have the protective effects against hepatotoxicity.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.442-449
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• 2017

We analyzed the content of total phenolic and silymarin compounds of Cirsium japonicum (CJ), and its antioxidant activities and Liver protective effects were compared with those of Silybum marianum (SM). The total phenolic content in the aerial part ($97.22{\pm}5.51mg/g$) of CJ is higher than that in the underground part ($85.32{\pm}3.06mg/g$). The total silymarin content of CJ was 55.56% of SM, with the underground part ($0.47{\pm}0.03mg/g$) having higher content than the aerial part ($0.18{\pm}0.02mg/g$). The antioxidant activity of CJ was generally slightly lower than that of milk thistle, and the underground part of CJ generally had higher activity compared to the aerial part. When CJ extracts were processed at 1 mg/ml, DPPH activities were $83.76{\pm}0.60$ and $88.28{\pm}0.17%$, and FRAP activities were $77.63{\pm}0.70$ and $82.83{\pm}0.39%$ for extracts from aerial part and underground part, respectively. ABTS activities were $68.60{\pm}1.24$ and $63.41{\pm}0.57%$ for underground and aerial part respectively when extracts were processed at 0.1 mg/ml. The Liver protective effects of CJ were higher in the extracts from underground part compared to the aerial part, Liver cells were damaged by treating them with t-BHP, $H_2O_2$ and Ethanol, and then they were treated with 0.2 mg/ml CJ extracts. The survival rates of the damaged liver cells were $49.58{\pm}0.34$, $76.87{\pm}1.10$ and $71.73{\pm}0.58%$ respectively, which were higher than the cells not treated with extracts.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.266-275
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• 2015

Exposure to cadmium (Cd) has harmful effects on the liver and kidney. Resveratrol (RES) is an herbal substance that functions as a protective mediator. This study aimed to investigate the effects of RES on the histology of liver and kidney in Cd-exposed mice. Male mice were divided into 4 groups daily receiving normal saline (1 mL normal saline/d), Cd (1 mg/kg/d), RES (20 mg/kg/d), and Cd plus RES, respectively. After 4 weeks, the liver and kidney components were evaluated using stereological methods. The total volume and number of hepatocytes, and volume of fibrous tissue were respectively increased by 34%, 58%, and a 3-fold in the Cd-exposed mice in comparison to the control animals (P<0.03). On the other hand, the volume of the main vasculature (sinusoids and central veins) was decreased by 36% in the Cd group compared to the control mice (P<0.03). Considering the kidney, the results showed a 3-fold increase in the total glomeruli volume and a 7-fold increase in fibrous tissue in the Cd-treated group compared to the control mice (P<0.03). After Cd treatment, a 32% reduction was observed in the volume and length of the proximal and distal convoluted tubules. RES-treatment alone did not induce any structural changes. In comparison to the Cd group, an increase in the normal components of the liver and kidney and a decrease in the formation of the fibrous and degenerated tissues were observed in the Cd+RES-treated mice (P<0.03).

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.540-548
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• 2018

Background: Acute hepatic failure is a life-threatening critical condition associated with rapid deterioration of liver function and liver transplantation. Several studies have shown that Panax ginseng Mayer has antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects. However, the hepatoprotective effect of ginseng berry is still unveiled. In this study, we evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of ultrasonication-processed ginseng berry extract (UGBE) on acute hepatic failure model in rats. Methods: Ginseng berry extract (GBE) was ultrasonically processed. The GBE, silymarin, and UGBE were orally administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats for 4 wk. Twenty-four h after the last administration, rats were challenged with D-galactosamine (D-GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Results: After ultrasonication, the component ratio of ginsenosides Rg2, Rg3, Rh1, Rh4, Rk1, Rk3, and F4 in GBE had been elevated. Administration of UGBE significantly increased the survival rate of D-GalN/LPS-challenged rats. Pretreatment with UGBE significantly decreased serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin levels in D-GalN/LPS-challenged rats in a dose-dependent manner. The levels of enzymatic markers for oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione) were increased by UGBE treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Tumor necrosis factor alphalevel, inducible nitric oxide synthase activities, and nitric oxide productions were reduced by UGBE treatment. In addition, hemeoxygenase-1 levels in liver were also significantly increased in the UGBE-treated group. The protein expression of toll-like receptor 4 was decreased by UGBE administration. Hematoxylin and eosin staining results also supported the results of this study showing normal appearance of liver histopathology in the UGBE-treated group. Conclusion: UGBE showed a great hepatoprotective effect on D-GalN/LPS-challenged rats via the toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.31-43
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• 2023

Objective : Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is caused by excess alcohol intake. In the liver, alcohol breakdown results formation of toxic byproducts that lead to damage to tissue. This study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of Paeoniae Radix Alba and Puerariae Radix combination (PP) on ALD. Methods : PP was analyzed for polyphenolic compounds and free radical scavenging activity. ALD mouse model was induced by feeding ethanol and water (Control), silymarin (50 mg/kg), low-dose (PP: 100 mg/kg) or high-dose (PP: 200 mg/kg) was orally administrated to ALD mice for 14 days. The serum was assessed with levels of AST, ALT, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, and triglyceride. Liver tissues were evaluated for ROS levels, degree of liver damage and protein expression. Results : The 3:1 (Paeoniae Radix Alba:Puerariae Radix) ratio showed the best antioxidant values for the experiment. In ALD model, levels of AST, ALT, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, and triglyceride were significantly increased in the Control and the levels were decreased by treatment of PP. In addition, increased ROS, ONOO^- and MDA levels in the Control were reduced in the PP groups. Western blot analysis figured out that proteins related to ROS and cholesterol metabolism were higher in ALD than in PP-treated ALD. Antioxidant enzyme expression was low in the control group and increased by PP treatment. Conclusion : Our results suggest that PP has the potential to be a medicine in ALD in terms of regulating oxidative stress and adjusting lipid metabolism.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.39-56
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• 1998

In order to investigate the protective effect of Samduhaejungtang on the liver injury of rats induced by $CCl_4$ and d-galactosamine, the serum transaminase(GOT& GPT), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), lactic dehydrogenase(LDH) for enzyme activities and triglyceride, total bilirubin amounts for serum component were measured. All animals were divided into 4 groups, those were normal group(untreated), control group(treated with vehicle 0.9% Saline solution), sample Ⅰ group(1000mg/kg administrated), sample Ⅱ group(2000mg/kg administrated). The results were as follows : 1. The inhibitory effects of the serum GOT activities in rats induced by $CCl_4$ were noted in both sample Ⅰ group(p<0.01) and sample Ⅱ group(p<0.001). In serum GPT activities, sample Ⅱ group(p<0.05) only showed the inhibitory effects. 2. The inhibitory effects of the serum ALP activities in rats induced by $CCl_4$ were noted in both sample Ⅰ group(p<0.01) and sample Ⅱ group(p<0.001). 3. The inhibitory effects of the serum LDH activities in rats induced by $CCl_4$ were noted in sample Ⅱ group(p<0.05). 4. The increases of the serum triglyceride content level in rats induced by $CCl_4$ were inhibited in both sample Ⅰ group(p<0.01) and sample Ⅱ group(p<0.001). 5. The increases of the serum total bilirubin content level in rats induced by $CCl_4$ were inhibited in both sample Ⅰ group(p<0.01) and sample Ⅱ group(p<0.001). 6. The inhibitory effects of the serum GOT& GPT activities in rats induced by d-galactosamine were noted in sample Ⅱ group(p<0.001), but sample Ⅰ group was not recongnized. 7. The significantly inhibitory effects of in the serum LDH activities in rats induced by d-galactosamine were note in sample Ⅱ group(p<0.05). 8. The increases of the serum triglyceride content level in rats induced by d-galactosamine were inhibited in sample Ⅱ group(p<0.01). 9. The increases of the serum total bilirubin content level in rats induced by d-galactosamine were inhibited in sample Ⅱ group(p<0.05). According to the above results, it is considered that Samduhaejungtang has protective effect against liver injury in rats induced by $CCl_4$ and d-galactosamine.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.414-420
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• 2006

The present study evaluated the effects of pomegranate peel (Granati pericarpium) extract on the lipid profiles and antioxidant biomarkers in mice fed a high fat and cholesterol diet: the measured biomarkers included the TBARS value, GPx, GR, SOD and GST activities. Body fat depositions were significantly decreased in the group that received pomegranate peel. In addition, the activities of GPx, GST and SOD were significantly higher in the liver and plasma of the pomegranate peel group than in the control group. Also, the pomegranate peel diet decreased lipid peroxidation of the liver and kidney. Alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) showed that the DNA damage in the plasma of the pomegranate peel group was decreased compared to that of control. The present results show that a diet with added pomegranate peel exerts protective effects against oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation possibly via effects on the free radical levels in mice fed a high fat and cholesterol diet.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.279-293
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The steamed ginger has been shown to have antioxidative effects and a protective effect against obesity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ethanolic extract of steamed ginger (SGE) on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model. MATERIALS/METHODS: The protective effects of SGE on adipogenesis were examined in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by measuring lipid accumulations and genes involved in adipogenesis. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND, 10% fat w/w), a high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat w/w), and HFD supplemented with either 40 mg/kg or 80 mg/kg of SGE for 12 weeks. Serum chemistry was measured, and the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism was determined in the adipose tissue. Histological analysis and micro-computed tomography were performed to identify lipid accumulations in epididymal fat pads. RESULTS: In 3T3-L1 cells, SGE significantly decreased lipid accumulation, with concomitant decreases in the expression of adipogenesis-related genes. SGE significantly attenuated the increase in body, liver, and epididymal adipose tissue weights by HFD. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly lower in SGE fed groups compared to HFD. In adipose tissue, SGE significantly decreased adipocyte size than that of HFD and altered adipogenesis-related genes. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, steamed ginger exerted anti-obesity effects by regulating genes involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cell and epididymal adipose tissue of DIO mice.