Qing-Yu-Mu, an Herbal Formula, Reduces Hepatic Oxidative Stress in Rats Fed a High-Frying Oil Diet and Ameliorates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury.

Abstract

Qing-Yu-Mu (QYM) is an herbal formula used to prevent and treat liver disease in Taiwan. In this study, the hepatoprotective effects of QYM were evaluated in two experimental models. First, rats were fed a high-frying oil (FO) diet containing 1.25% QYM for 5 weeks to investigate effects of QYM on hepatic oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities. Then, protective effects of QYM on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced chronic liver injury were evaluated. Results show that QYM treatment reduced FO diet-induced hepatic lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species levels and increased glutathione (GSH) S-transferase activity. A higher reduced GSH/oxidized GSH (GSSG) ratio was observed after QYM treatment. Furthermore, QYM ameliorated CCl4-induced liver injury by reducing the activity of plasma alanine aminotransferase and histological lesions in the liver. QYM also increased the level of hepatic GSH and activities of GSH peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Finally, chlorogenic acid, chrysophanol, and apigenin were found to be present in relative abundance in QYM. Results show that QYM may exhibit a hepatoprotective effect by reducing oxidative stress and increasing antioxidant activity in the liver.