Effect of Cordycepin-Enriched Cordyceps militaris Powder on Tissues Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidative Activity in Orotic Acid-Induced Fatty Liver Model Rats

Abstract

This study is aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Cordycepin-enriched Cordyceps militaris (CMα) strain on orotic acid (OA)-induced fatty liver in rats. OA treatment induced the retardation of body weight gain and enlargement of the liver. The activities of liver marker enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Alk. phosphatase and Cholinesterase were increased when treated with OA, but these parameters were significantly decreased in the CMα group. The current study observed significant elevations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) levels. However, among the OA groups, the CMα group showed significantly low TBARS levels of hepatic homogenate. The OA group resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of plasma and hepatic glutathione, but these reductions were significantly increased in the CMα group. These effects were more pronounced in the CMα group than in the PJ or CM groups in Orotic acid treated rats. Accordingly, Cordycepin-enriched Cordyceps militaris (CMα) may be an ideal candidate for hepatoprotective effects in animal models.