Hepatoprotective effects of Astragalus kahiricus root extract against ethanol-induced liver apoptosis in rats / 中国天然药物

The hepatoprotective activity of the ethanol extract of Astragalus kahiricus (Fabaceae) roots against ethanol-induced liver apoptosis was evaluated and it showed very promising hepatoprotective actions through different mechanisms. The extract counteracted the ethanol-induced liver enzymes leakage and glutathione depletion. In addition, it demonstrated anti-apoptotic effects against caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation that were confirmed by liver histopathological examination. Moreover, the phytochemical study of this extract led to the isolation of four cycloartane-type triterpenes identified as astrasieversianin II (1), astramembrannin II (2), astrasieversianin XIV (3), and cycloastragenol (4). The structures of these isolates were established by HRESI-MS and 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The antimicrobial, antimalarial, and cytotoxic activities of the isolates were further evaluated, but none of them showed any activity.

Comparative effects of milk and fermented milk diets on the regeneration of the rat liver

In a comparative study on the effect of milk and fermented milk [yogurt, kefir and sour milk] diets on body weight and on liver regeneration in partially [70%] hepatectomized male rats, significant higher values of solids, total nitrogen and total lipids were found three weeks after the operation in the groups fed on fermented milk diets than in those fed on milk-based diets. No differences between the chemical components of the regenerated liver [solids, total lipids and total nitrogen] were found either between the individual groups or between the various groups and the control group. The regenerated liver corresponded to the normal organ in every respect. Data showed higher increments of solids, total lipids and total nitrogen of the regenerating liver, whether expressed in absolute figures or in percents, in the animals fed on fermented milk diets than in those fed on milk-based diets. The invention that the biochemical changes associated with bacterial fermentation of milk are beneficial to liver regeneration provided new evidence supporting the high biological nutritive value of fermentation

comparison of the effects of dietary fiber concentrated from carrot sunflower seed and wheat bran on the serum cholesterol and blood glucose response in cholesterol-fed rats

Wheat bran 80% ethanol-insoluble residues from sunflower seeds or carrot were incorporated in purified diets to reach a 6% fiber level. Cholesterol-fed rats were fed on either one of the fiber diets or a fiber-fee diet. Serum and HDL [high density lipoprotein]-cholesterol levels were unchanged. Blood glucose levels tended to be reduced. The 6% level of the tested fibers was well tolerated, but the weights of the heart, spleen and liver were significantly decreased by carrot, carrot and sunflower seed fiber and sunflower seed fiber, respectively, suggesting that the safety of these fiber concentrates needs further investigation