Hepatoprotective Effect of <i>Platycodon grandiflorum</i> against Chronic Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Stress in C57BL/6 Mice

Abstract

Aims: This study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) in ethanol (EtOH)-induced liver damage. Methods and Results: PG treatment (both the total extract and saponin fraction) significantly blocked EtOH-induced oxidative stress through the preservation of activities of antioxidant enzymes in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, while the administration of EtOH to C57BL/6 mice for 6 weeks induced liver damage, along with a significant increase in plasma glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, hepatic triglyceride and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels, PG treatment significantly decreased glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, hepatic triglyceride and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels compared with the EtOH-treated control group (p < 0.05). Histological observation by hematoxylin-eosin and oil red O staining in the liver showed more effective inhibition of lipid accumulation in PG-treated groups, as compared to the EtOH-treated control group. Additionally, PG treatments appeared to enhance the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the liver (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that PG has a protective effect against EtOH-induced oxidative damage, possibly by inhibition of lipid accumulation and peroxidation through the enhancement of the antioxidant defense system. PG might be useful as a therapeutically potent natural ingredient for the prevention of chronic EtOH-induced oxidative stress and liver damage.

Natural compounds in the chemoprevention of alcoholic liver disease

“…Previous studies indicate that Platycodi Radix (PR), the root of Platycodon grandiflorum , displays beneficial actions against alcohol consumption‐induced hepatotoxicity (Khanal, Choi, Hwang, Chung, & Jeong, ; Noh et al, ). Platycodi Radix treatment decreased elevated AST and P450 2E1 induced by alcohol.…”

Long-Term Consumption of Platycodi Radix Ameliorates Obesity and Insulin Resistance via the Activation of AMPK Pathways

“…In clinical practice of oriental medicine, it is often used in combination with basic herbal medicines for detoxification in the treatment of upper respiratory infection, acute and chronic bronchitis [4]. Recently, it has shown the novel pharmacological potentials for treating metabolic diseases, such as hyperlipidemia and diabetes [5–8]. It has shown that antiobesity and antihypolipidemic effects of platycodin saponins in animal models are due to the inhibition of intestinal absorption of dietary fat [5, 6].…”

“…It has shown that antiobesity and antihypolipidemic effects of platycodin saponins in animal models are due to the inhibition of intestinal absorption of dietary fat [5, 6]. It showed not only the protective effects on fatty liver via suppression of pancreatic lipase activity [8], as well as acceleration of energy expenditure; but also the hepatoprotective effects on EtOH-induced hepatotoxicity in animal models [8–10]. However, the mechanism by which Platycodi radix helps to respond in obesity and insulin resistance still remains to be elusive.…”

Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC. 桔梗 (Jiegeng, Balloonflower)

“…Jiegeng is potentially useful as a therapeutically potent natural ingredient for the prevention of chronic alcohol-induced oxidative stress and liver damage [10]. Six triterpenoid saponins have been identified as active components exerting anti-HCV (Hepatitis C virus) activity [11].…”