Hepatoprotection by Traditional Essence of Ginseng against Carbon Tetrachloride—Induced Liver Damage

The peroxide produced in the lipid metabolic process attacks liver cells and causes liver injury. Ginsenosides have been shown to have anti-oxidation abilities and to mend myocardial damage. This study evaluated the effect of traditional ginseng essence (TEG) in preventing chemical liver damage indu...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yi-Ju Hsu, Chao-Yun Wang, Mon-Chien Lee, Chi-Chang Huang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-10-01
Series:Nutrients
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/10/3214
Description
Summary:The peroxide produced in the lipid metabolic process attacks liver cells and causes liver injury. Ginsenosides have been shown to have anti-oxidation abilities and to mend myocardial damage. This study evaluated the effect of traditional ginseng essence (TEG) in preventing chemical liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl<sub>4</sub>). Forty 8-week-old male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into five groups: control, liver injury (CCl<sub>4</sub>), and TEG by oral gavage at 0.074, 0.149, or 0.298 g/kg/day for nine weeks. Liver injury biochemical indicators, antioxidant enzyme activity, and lipid contents in liver tissues were evaluated. The liver appearance was observed, and histopathological tests were conducted to estimate whether TEG-antagonized oxidants further ameliorated liver injury. The results show that, after supplementation of TEG for nine consecutive weeks and CCl<sub>4</sub>—induced liver injury for eight weeks, the levels of liver injury biochemical indicators in animal serum decreased significantly, and, in liver tissue, antioxidant activity was significantly improved and accumulation of lipids was decreased. Pathological sections exhibited reduced liver lipid accumulation and fibrosis. As discussed above, TEG can increase the antioxidant capacity in the liver and the maintenance of hepatocyte function, protecting the liver from chemical injury and improving healthcare.
ISSN:2072-6643