• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.298-300
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• 2007

This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of an ethanol extract of Petasites japonicus S. et. Z. Max. (PJ) on alcohol-induced liver-damaged rats. Sprague-Dawley rats weighing $100{\sim}150\;g$ were divided into 5 groups; normal diet group (NOR), alcohol (35%, 10 mL/kg/day) treated group (CON), PJ 200 mg/kg/day treated group (PJ1), PJ 200 mg/kg/day and alcohol treated group (PJ2), and PJ 400 mg/kg/day and alcohol treated group (PJ3). The growth rate of the control group was higher than that of normal group, whereas the group administered PJ concomitantly was significantly increased. Also, feed efficiency ratio decreased by alcohol administration was gradually increased to the adjacent level of the normal group by administering PJ. The AST activity in serum elevated by alcohol was significantly decreased by administering the high dosage of PJ, but exerted no significant change on serum ALT activity. It was also observed that the hepatic activities of catalase and GSH-Px increased by alcohol were markedly decreased in PJ2 and PJ3, but not in the activities of XO and SOD as compared with the control group. The depleted content of GSH by alcohol was increased to the level of normal group by administering PJ in a dose-dependant manner. In conclusion, these results suggest that PJ may have a possible protective effect on liver function in hepatotoxicity-induced rat by alcohol administration.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.7
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• pp.904-912
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• 2013

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of cordycepin-increased Cordyceps militaris strain on carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$)-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=6) based on six dietary categories: normal (N), $CCl_4$ control (C), $CCl_4$ plus Paecilomyces japonica (CPJ) (3%, w/w), $CCl_4$ plus C. militaris (CCM) (3%, w/w), and $CCl_4$ plus cordycepin-increased C. militaris ($CCM{\alpha}$) (3%, w/w). The activities of the liver marker enzymes ALT, AST, and LDH and the levels of lipid peroxidation were increased in the $CCl_4$-treated groups, but these parameters were significantly decreased in the $CCM{\alpha}$ group. The TBARS content in the liver homogenate, microsome, and mitochondrial fractions of the C group was significantly elevated compared with the N group. However, in the $CCl_4$-treated groups, $CCM{\alpha}$ group was significantly lowered in the TBARS levels of hepatic homogenate and microsomal fractions. The C group showed a significant decrease in the levels of plasma and hepatic glutathione, whereas they were significantly increased in the $CCM{\alpha}$ group. Accordingly, cordycepin-increased C. militaris may be an ideal animal model for studying hepatoprotective effects.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.569-573
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• 2009

This study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of Hovenia dulcis Thumb leaves extract on liver damage in benzo($\alpha$)pyrene (B($\alpha$)P)-treated mice. Hovenia dulcis Thumb leaves methanol extract was intra-peritoneally injected once daily for 5 successive days, followed by treatment with B($\alpha$)p. The elevated activities of serum aminotransferase and hepatic cytochrome P450 by B($\alpha$)p were decreased by pretreatment with Hovenia dulcis Thumb leaves extract. Hovenia dulcis Thumb leaves extract also significantly prevented the elevation of hepatic malondialdehyde content and depletion of glutathione content induced by B($\alpha$)P. In addition, the increased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase after B($\alpha$)P-treatment were decreased. On the other hand, glutathione S-transferase activity was increased by pretreatment with Hovenia dulcis Thumb leaves extract. These results suggest that Hovenia dulcis Thumb leaves extract have a protective effect on liver damage by B($\alpha$)P through the mechanisms of decreasing lipid peroxide and activities of free radical generating enzymes.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.168-177
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• 2015

Here we study the anti-obesity effects of by-product from soybean on mouse fed high fat diet. The body weight gain, visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue weight, liver and epididymal adipose tissue weight in freeze-dried soybean-soaking-water (SSW) powder fed group showed lower level than those in high fat diet (HFD) group by determining with weight measuring and histological methods. Also, histological analyses of the liver and fat tissues of SSW grouped mice revealed significantly less number of lipid droplets formation and smaller size of adipocytes compared to the HFD group. Moreover, the levels of total serum cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and the atherogenic index were decreased in the SSW groups. Especially, in SSW group, the levels of phosphorylation of two lipid oxidation enzymes, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylasse (ACC) were elevated hence that may activate fatty acid oxidation. But AST and ALT levels were not changed in blood. By micro-CT analysis of abdomen, SSW groups significantly showed a tendency to decrease visceral and subcutaneous fats as well as fat-deposited areas compared to HFD group. Taken together, we suggest that soybean soaking water has a function in ameliorating obesity through inhibiting lipid synthesis as well as stimulating fatty acid oxidation.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.774-782
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• 2006

This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of an ethanol extract of lotus root (LRE) on alcohol-induced liver damage in rat. Sprague-Dawley rae weighing $100{\sim}150g$, were divided into 6 groups: basal diet group (BD), alcohol (35% 10 mL/kg/day) teated stoup (ET), LRE 200 mg/kg/day teated group (BD-LREL). LRE 400 mg/kg/day treated group (BD-LREH), LRE 200 mg/kg/day and alcohol treated group (ET-LREL), and LRE 400 3mg/kg/day and alcohol teated group (ET-LREH). After the administration, rats were sacrificed to get serum and liver to analyze antioxidant enzyme activity, glutathione and lipid peroxide contents. The body weight gain and feed efficiency ratio were decreased by alcohol administration, however, were gradually increased to a little lower level than the basal diet group by the combined administration of alcohol and LRE. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), asparate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities that were elevated by alcohol were significantly decreased by LRE administration. It was also observed that thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content, xanthine oxidase (XO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in liver that were increased by alcohol, were markedly decreased in the combined alcohol and LRE administered groups as compared with the alcohol administrated group. These effect of LRE within the alcohol groups were in a dose-dependent manner. The glutathione (GSH) content in liver was decreased by alcohol administration, however, increased after administering LRE. Teken together, these result suggest that ethanol extract of lotus root may have a possible protective effect on liver function in hepatotoxicity-induced rat by alcohol administration.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.36 no.11
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• pp.1391-1398
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• 2007

We performed a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial to determine whether Laminaria japonica extract (LJE) supplement modulates blood glucose, serum lipids and antioxidant systems in type II diabetic patients. We also measured critical parameters assessing safety in liver and kidney functions after LJE supplement. A total of 37 patients (18 males and 19 females) were randomized to either LJE group or placebo group. The treatment group received four 350 mg of LJE capsules (1.4 g, total) per day for 12 weeks. The placebo group received the same dose of cellulose capsules. Baseline characteristics regarding general life style and dietary intake pattern were similar between the two groups. There were no significant influences of LJE supplement except for waist circumference on anthropometric parameters. As the whole, 12 weeks of LJE supplement resulted in a little decrease in fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), but a significant decrease was not observed. Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) lowered in LJE group. The antioxidant enzymes, glutathion peroxidase (GSH-px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were elevated in the LJE group (p<0.05) compared to the placebo. The increase of these enzymes was associated significantly with the decrease of MDA concentration (p<0.05). Furthermore, LJE supplement showed no adverse effects on the functions of liver and kidney. Findings from this study suggest that LJE supplement can help improve serum lipid status in type II diabetic subjects without adverse effects.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.405-410
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• 2007

This study was to investigate the hypolipidemic effect of powdered mulberry leaves (PML) and water extract of powdered mulberry leaves (WML) on high-fat fed mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups; a normal group (N), a high-fat (HF) group, a high-fat group supplemented with PML (HF-PML) and a high-fat group supplemented with WML (HF-WML). The PML or WML was added to a standard diet based on 1% dried mulberry loaves (1g PML/100g diet and 0.22g WML/100g diet) for 6 weeks. Body weight and organ weights were not different among thle groups in high-fat fed mice, whereas food intake and daily energy intake were significantly (p<0.05) lowered in the HF-PML group. In plasma and liver, the supplementation of PML and WML significantly (p<0.05) lowered cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations compared to the HF group. The HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the HF-PML and HF-WML groups than in the B:.w group. The fecal triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the HF-PML and HF-WML groups compared to the HF group. Hepatic lipid regulating enzyme activities, fatty acid synthase, fatty acid ${\beta}-oxidation$ and carnitine palmitoyl transferase were significantly lower in the HF group than in the N group. However, the activities of these hepatic lipid regulating enzymes activities were significantly (p<0.05) elevated in the HF-PML and HF-WML groups compared to the HF group. Accordingly, these results suggest that PML and WML improve plasma and hepatic lipid levels partly by increasing fecal lipid excretion and enhancing hepatic lipid regulating enzymes activities.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.173-181
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• 2015

This study investigated the effects of scopoletin (6-methoxy-7-hydroxycoumarin) supplementation on insulin resistance and the antioxidant defense system in chronic alcohol-fed rats. Rats were fed a Lieber-Decarli liquid diet containing 5% ethanol with or without two doses of scopoletin (0.01 and 0.05 g/L) for 8 weeks. Pair-fed rats received an isocaloric carbohydrate liquid diet. Chronic alcohol did not affect fasting serum glucose levels, although it induced glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia compared with the pair-fed group and led to insulin resistance. Both doses of scopoletin similarly improved glucose intolerance, serum insulin level, and insulin resistance. Scopoletin supplementation significantly activated phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase, which was inhibited by chronic alcohol. Two doses of scopoletin up-regulated hepatic mRNA expression and activity of glucokinase as well as down-regulated mRNA expression and activity of glucose-6-phosphatase compared with the alcohol control group. Both doses of scopoletin significantly reduced cytochrome P450 2E1 activity and elevated aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 activity, resulting in a lower serum acetaldehyde level compared with the alcohol control group. Chronic alcohol suppressed hepatic mRNA expression and activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase; however, they were reversed by scopoletin supplementation, which reduced hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxide levels in the liver. These results indicate that dietary scopoletin attenuated chronic alcohol-induced insulin resistance and activated the antioxidant defense system through regulation of hepatic gene expression in glucose and antioxidant metabolism.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.191-195
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• 2009

We assessed the effect of surimi gel, which is prepared from the king oyster mushroom (pleurotus eryngii) and cuttlefish meat paste (KCP) on lipid metabolism and antioxidant activity in high-cholesterol-fed rats. Three groups of 3-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed on a diet containing 1 g cholesterol/kg for 6 weeks. We administered only a high-cholesterol diet to the control group, one group was fed on surimi gel containing cuttlefish paste and king oyster mushrooms, and another group was fed with general boiled fish meat paste (GFP), which is commonly sold in marketplaces. Plasma and hepatic lipid profiles were measured, and the antioxidant status of the liver was assessed. The plasma triglyceride concentration did not differ significantly among the groups. Supplementation with KCP resulted in lower plasma and hepatic cholesterol concentrations and atherogenic index as compared to the control group and GFP, whereas the plasma high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration was elevated. Moreover, the KCP-supplemented animals evidenced greater bile acid excretion. The KCP groups evidenced significantly lower plasma and hepatic levels of thiobarbituric acidreactive substances as compared to the control group. Besides, hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities, including catalase and superoxide dismutase, were significantly higher in the KCP group. In conclusion, KCP was quite effective in improving the lipid metabolism and reducing oxidative stress by upregulating the hepatic antioxidant enzymes in high-cholesterol-fed rats.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.177-183
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• 2008

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of dandelion water extract (DWE) on liver injury induced by D-galactosamine (GalN) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Fifty rats were divided into 5 groups; normal control (C), DWE-control (DWE-C: saline injection after feeding 3% DWE diet), GalN-control (GalN-C: GalN injection after normal diet), DWE I (GalN injection after feeding 1.5% DWE diet), and DWE II (GalN injection after feeding 3% DWE diet). After 2 weeks, the acute hepatitis was induced by GalN (650 mg/kg, i.p.) and 24 hrs later, all rats were sacrificed. The DWE supplement ameliorated the serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (AST, ALT) as well as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}\;(TNF-{\alpha})$. Hepatic antioxidative enzyme activities, such as catalase, GSH peroxidase, GSH reductase, and Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) were slightly or significantly elevated by the treatment of DWE. Moreover, the histological examination corresponded with these biochemical observations. According to these findings, dandelion could be used as a potential therapeutic material for treating chemically induced acute hepatitis.