Angelica keiskeiKoidzumi Extracts Improve Some Markers of Liver Function in Habitual Alcohol Drinkers: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Abstract

Alcohol induces oxidative stress and inflammatory response, which can lead to hepatitis and cirrhosis. Previous studies reported that the extracts of Angelica keiskei Koidzumi (AKE) have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting that AKE could improve abnormalities associated with alcoholic liver disease. In this study, the effectiveness of AKE supplementation was assessed in 82 habitual alcohol drinkers (male: more than 14 units per week, female: more than 7 units per week) with abnormal liver biochemistry in a placebo-controlled, randomized double-blind trial over 12 weeks. Among the subjects, 65% (n=43) were heavy drinkers consuming more than 35 units per week. Among heavy drinkers, gamma-glutamyl transferase levels of 19 subjects per AKE-treated group were significantly decreased (21.16±37.63, P=.016) with significant differences observed compared to the 24 subjects per placebo group (P=.046). However, no significant differences were observed in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels between the AKE- and placebo-treated groups. These results suggest that AKE supplementation might improve liver function in heavy drinkers.

Effect of Mixed Fruit and Vegetable Juice on Alcohol Hangovers in Healthy Adults

“…A. keiskei has long been used as a herbal medicine due to its antioxidant effects ( 33 ). A. keiskei contains bioactive substances, such as chalcone, coumarin, saponin, and flavonoids ( 34 , 35 ). Several studies have demonstrated that A. keiskei extract has beneficial effects on alcoholic liver diseases ( 34 ), antioxidant ( 33 ), anti-cancer ( 35 ), and anti-inflammatory effects ( 36 ).…”

“…A. keiskei contains bioactive substances, such as chalcone, coumarin, saponin, and flavonoids ( 34 , 35 ). Several studies have demonstrated that A. keiskei extract has beneficial effects on alcoholic liver diseases ( 34 ), antioxidant ( 33 ), anti-cancer ( 35 ), and anti-inflammatory effects ( 36 ). A. keiskei extract was reported to prevent D-galactosamine-induced hepatic failure in rats ( 37 ).…”

“…A. keiskei extract was reported to prevent D-galactosamine-induced hepatic failure in rats ( 37 ). Chronic consumption of A. keiskei extract improved liver function in habitual alcohol drinkers ( 34 ). It was suggested that antioxidant substances of A. keiskei could contribute to the hepatoprotective effects.…”

Angelica keiskei, an emerging medicinal herb with various bioactive constituents and biological activities

“…A clinical trial for habitual alcohol drinkers with abnormal liver function tests also showed that intake of the extracts significantly reduced c-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels (Noh et al 2015). A patent is filed on the beneficial activity of an ethanol extract of the roots to improve liver functions and relieve fatigue (Kim et al 2006).…”

Protective effects of an ethanol extract ofAngelica keiskeiagainst acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in HepG2 and HepaRG cells

“…In addition, AK has widely been utilized among Koreans that believe it can protect against hepatotoxicity. Noh et al [8] recently reported that an AK extract supplement can improve liver function in heavy drinkers. However, the effects of AK on hepatotoxicity and its mechanisms of action have yet to be elucidated.…”