• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.9-13
• /
• 2016

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of beverages containing fermented Akebia quinata extracts on alcoholic hangover. For this study, 25 healthy young men were recruited. All participants consumed 100 mL of water (placebo), commercial hangover beverage A or B, fermented A. quinata leaf (AQL) or fruit (AQF) extract before alcohol consumption. After 1 h, all participants consumed a bottle of Soju, Korean distilled liquor (360 mL), containing 20% alcohol. Blood was collected at 0 h, 1 h, 3 h, and 5 h after alcohol consumption. The plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) activity was highest in the placebo group. Compared with the control group, the AQL and AQF groups showed decreased ALT activity at 5 h after alcohol consumption. Plasma ethanol concentration was increased after alcohol intake and peaked at 3 h after alcohol consumption. Compared with the control group, the A group showed a higher plasma ethanol concentration at 1 h (P<0.05). At 3 h after alcohol consumption, the AQF group showed the lowest mean plasma ethanol concentration compared to the other groups; however, there were no statistical differences. After 5 h of alcohol consumption, the AQL and AQF groups showed lower plasma ethanol concentrations compared with the B group. The sensory evaluation score for the fermented A. quinata fruit extract was lower than for the commercial hangover beverages. In conclusion, the present intervention study results suggest that fermented A. quinata extracts alleviate alcoholic hangover and reduce plasma ethanol concentrations.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.487-496
• /
• 2011

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Soshiho-tang (SSH) in mouse primary liver cells against hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$)-induced oxidative stress. We also elucidated the molecular mechanism of hepatoprotective effect by SSH. Methods : Cell viability, level of ALT, AST and LDH, intracellular ROS level, mRNA expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes were used to evaluate hepatoprotection of SSH against $H_2O_2$. Target gene expressions were analyzed by real-time PCR. Results : Pre-treatment with SSH for 1 hour prevented cytotoxicity against $H_2O_2$. $H_2O_2$-induced ROS level decreased under SSH pre-treatment. mRNA expression of GPx and SOD increased in SSH-treated cells. In addition, HSP72 and HSP40 gene expression were elevated under SSH-treatment. Conclusions : These results indicate that SSH protects mouse primary liver cells from $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative injury. This hepatoprotective activity of SSH is mediated by decreasing intracellular ROS and increasing antioxidant enzyme expression (GPx and SOD) and stress response protein (HSP72 and HSP40).

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.133-140
• /
• 2016

Sulfasalzine is a widely administered drug against inflammatory-based disorders in human. However several cases of liver injury are associated with its administration. There is no stabilized safe protective agent against sulfasalazine-induced liver injury. Current investigation was designed to evaluate if N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and dithioteritol (DTT) as thiol reducing agents and/or vitamins C and E as antioxidants have any protective effects against sulfasalazine-induced hepatic injury in an ex vivo model of isolated rat liver. Rat liver was canulated and perfused via portal vein in a closed recirculating system. Different concentrations of sulfasalazine and/or thiol reductants and antioxidants were administered and markers of organ injury were monitored at different time intervals. It was found that 5 mM of sulfasalazine caused marked liver injury as judged by rise in liver perfusate level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (p < 0.05). A significant amount of lipid peroxidation and hepatic glutathione depletion were detected in drug-treated livers, accompanied with significant histopathological changes of the organ. Administration of NAC ($500{\mu}M$), DTT (${400\mu}M$), Vitamin C ($200{\mu}M$), or vitamin E ($200{\mu}M$) significantly alleviated sulfasalazine-induced hepatic injury in isolated perfused rat liver. The data obtained from current investigation indicate potential therapeutic properties of thiol reductants and antioxidants against sulfasalazine-induced liver injury.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.37-42
• /
• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Red grape seeds as functional food are a good source of important bioactive components such as phenolics and antioxidants, which decrease oxidative stress that contributes to the pathogenesis of hepatotoxicity. The current study was conducted in order to evaluate the protective effect of red grape dried seeds (RGDS) on antioxidant properties, lipid metabolism, and liver and kidney functions of rats with paracetamol (750 mg/kg) induced hepatotoxicity. MATERIALS/METHODS: RGDS was added to the basal diet at 5, 10, and 20%. Thirty five adult male rats were assigned to five groups (n = 7) for a six-week feeding period; group (1) normal control, group (2) induced control, groups (3, 4, and 5) fed a diet with RGPS at different levels, 5, 10, and 20%, respectively. At the end of the feeding period, animals' blood and tissues were collected for estimation of serum lipid profile, serum liver, and kidney biomarkers. The protection was measured by detecting lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) (in liver tissues), and liver histological examination. RESULTS: The results showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL-C), with a significant increase in level of high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) for RGDS groups compared to induced control. Rats administered a diet containing RGDS levels produced significant (P < 0.05) hepatoprotection by decreasing the activities of liver enzymes, kidney parameters, and lipid peroxidation, while levels of GSH, SOD, and CAT were increased significantly to near the normal levels. CONCLUSION: The RGDS 20% group was more effective than others against hepatotoxicity of paracetamol, which may be attributed to RGDS total phenols and antioxidant contents, which were 1.438 mg and 1.231 mg, respectively.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
• /
• v.52 no.1
• /
• pp.56-61
• /
• 2008

The hepatoprotective effects of the water extracts of Hovenia dulcis Thunb (HD) were investigated in vitro. Following the induction of hepatotoxicity by ethanol in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes, the protective effects of four different water extracts of HD were determined through serial dose-response and time-dependent studies. The individual extracts used in these studies were prepared from fruits, seeds, leaves and tubes. Treatment of hepatocyte cultures with the water extracts of HD provided a significant protection from the increased lactate dehydrogenase activity induced by ethanol. Particularly, the fruits extract was the most effective against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in the primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. The results demonstrated that the extracts might have the protective effect against ethanol-induced toxicity in hepatocyte cultures.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.546-553
• /
• 2012

This study was performed to evaluate the biological activity and protective effect of Cassia tora ethanol extracts against D-galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were grouped into normal group, D-galactosamine treated group(control), D-galactosamine plus 0.25% Cassia tora extracts treated group and D-galactosamine plus 0.5% Cassia tora extracts treated group. Normal and control group were fed control diet and Cassia tora extracts treated groups were fed experimental diets containing 0.25% or 0.5% Cassia tora ethanol extracts for 5 weeks. Body weight gain and liver weight of rats were not significantly different between groups. Cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in serum and liver were significantly lower in rats treated only with D-galactosamine compared to normal group, and improved in Cassia tora extracts supplemented rats. D-galactosamine treatment significantly increased serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, gamma glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase, however, the activities of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were significantly decreased in Cassia tora extracts supplemented rats when compared with D-galactosamine treated control group. Cassia tora extracts significantly suppressed the D-galactosamine-induced elevation of liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS) contents. Superoxide dismutase activity was decreased by D-galactosamine treatment, however by the supplementation of Cassia tora ethanol extracts, significantly increased in dose-dependent manner. Glutathione peroxidase activity in rats fed diets containing Cassia tora extracts was decreased compared to control. Based on these results, we concluded that Cassia tora ethanol extracts may prevents the D-galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity probably via an antioxidant mechanism.

• CELLMED
• /
• v.2 no.4
• /
• pp.34.1-34.5
• /
• 2012

The present study aimed to determine the hepatoprotective activity of the chloroform extract of D. linearis leaves (CEDL) using the paracetamol (PCM)- and carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$)-induced liver injury models in rats. The rats received $dH_2O$ (negative control), 200 mg/kg of silymarin (positive control) or CEDL (50, 250 and 500 mg/kg) orally once daily for 7 days and then were subjected to the hepatotoxic induction on the $7^{th}$ day. The samples (i.e. blood and liver) were collected and underwent biochemical and microscopical analysis, respectively. From the data obtained, both inducers caused significant (p < 0.05) increase in the levels of AST and ALT when compared to the control group, which were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by CEDL in a generally dose-dependent manner. These biochemical findings were supported by the histopathological analysis and histological scoring. In conclusion, CEDL possesses potential hepatoprotective activity, which could be associated with its flavonoid and tannin contents with the mechanisms of hepatoprotection linked to either its antioxidant or anti-inflammtory/immunomodulating activities. Further in-depth studies are required to identify the responsible bioactive compound.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.165-172
• /
• 2012

Raphanus sativus (Cruciferaceae), commonly known as radish is widely available throughout the world. From antiquity it has been used in folk medicine as a natural drug against many toxicants. The present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of radish (Raphanus sativus) enzyme extract (REE) in vitro and in vivo test. The $IC_{50}$ values of REE in human liver derived HepG2 cells was over 5,000 ${\mu}g/ml$ in tested maximum concentration. The effect of REE to protect tacrine-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. REE showed their hepatoprotective activities on tacrine-induced cytotoxicity and the $EC_{50}$ value was 1,250 ${\mu}g/ml$. Silymarin, an antihepatotoxic agent used as a positive control exhibited 59.7% hepatoprotective activity at 100 ${\mu}g/ml$. Moreover, we tested the effect of REE on carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$)-induced liver toxicity in rats. REE at dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg and silymarin at dose of 50 mg/kg were orally administered to $CCl_4$-treated rats. The results showed that REE and silymarin significantly reduced the elevated levels of serum enzyme markers induced by $CCl_4$. The biochemical data were supported by evaluation with liver histopathology. These findings suggest that REE, can significantly diminish hepatic damage by toxic agent such as tacrine or $CCl_4$.

• Natural Product Sciences
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.13-17
• /
• 2003

The hepatoprotective effect of the ethanolic extract of Coccinia indica fruits in rats treated with carbon tetrachloride. In hepatotoxic rats, liver damage was studied by assessing parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (AlT), alkaline phosphatase (AIP) and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in serum, and concentrations of total proteins, total lipids, phospholipids, triglycerides and cholesterol in both serum and liver. The effect of co-administration of ethanolic extract on the above parameters was further investigated. Histopathological study of the liver in experimental animals was also undertaken. Hepatic damage as evidenced by a rise in the levels of AST, AIT, AIP and GGT in serum, and also changes observed in other biochemical parameters In serum and liver showed a tendency to attain near normalcy in animals co-administered with the extract. The normal values for AST (IU/L), AIP (IU/I), protein (g/100 ml) and total lipids (mg/100 ml) in serum (i.e.,20.24, 70.04, 5.72 and 135.54 respectively) were found to alter towards values 32.61, 127.11, 3.83 and 265.91 in hepatotoxic rats. These parameters Attained near normal values (I.e.,22.82, 79.30, 5.22 and 151.24 for AST, AIP protein and total lipids respectively) in ethanolic extract co-administered rats. Profound steatosis, ballooning degeneration and nodule formation observed in the hepatic architecture of $CCl_4$ treated rats were found to acquire near-normalcy in drug co-administered rats, thus corroborating the biochemical observations. Thus the study substantiates the hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic extract of Coccinia indica fruits.