The Protective Effect of Lycium barbarum Betaine and Effervescent Tablet Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Rats

Abstract

The liver is essential for animals and humans. Because of their low side effects and high safety, natural products have recently become a research hotspot for human health-related issues that can damage the liver. In this study, we investigated the protective effects in rats of Lycium barbarum betaine (LBB) and Lycium barbarum betaine Effervescent Tablet (LBBET) against liver injury caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The results showed that LBB and LBBET pretreatment significantly reduced the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase, as well as the liver tissue levels of malondialdehyde. Meanwhile, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly increased in liver tissues. In addition, LBB and LBBET may effectively alleviate CCl4-induced liver injury by a mechanism related to the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. In conclusion, LBB and LBBET may serve as potential mitigators of CCl4-induced liver injury. Effervescent Tablet can be used as either a new formulation or practical product for patients who have difficulty swallowing regular tablets or capsules. This study provides a basis and new ideas for the development of functional foods or drugs related to the field of liver protection.

Betaine as a Functional Ingredient: Metabolism, Health-Promoting Attributes, Food Sources, Applications and Analysis Methods

“…Betaine could also have beneficial effects on other hepatic diseases, such as drug-induced liver injury and hepatitis B and C infections [ 76 ]. Zhai et al [ 77 ] reported that betaine has significant hepatoprotective effects in a rat model where liver injury was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ). The results showed that betaine pretreatment significantly reduced levels of hepatic transaminases as well as hepatic levels of malondialdehyde.…”

Alleviative effect of betaine against copper oxide nanoparticles-induced hepatotoxicity in adult male albino rats: histopathological, biochemical, and molecular studies

“…GSH is a crucial chemical that is created based on this pathway and serves as a notable endogenous antioxidant. The anti-inflammatory properties of betaine have been extensively documented in multiple investigations, including those by Zhai et al [71], Arumugam et al [72]. The immunohistochemical analysis verified the anti-inflammatory impact of betaine by demonstrating a significant reduction in the intensity of IL-1β immunoexpression in liver sections of rats cotreated with betaine (group III).…”

“…Furthermore, betaine can significantly mitigate liver impairment generated by CuO-NPs by a mechanism that involves the decrease of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNFα. Several prior studies have demonstrated the hepatoprotective properties of betaine against various forms of liver damage [71].…”

Bioactive Components of Lycium barbarum and Deep-Processing Fermentation Products

“…Recent researchers showed that betaine in wolfberry had many important biological characteristics, including antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects [58][59][60]. Yang et al found that betaine (400 mg/kg) reduced the expression levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-1β proteins in the lungs of rats with monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension.…”