Nutr Res Pract.  2014 Feb;8(1):40-45.

Hepatoprotective effects of Rubus coreanus miquel concentrates on liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

• Chae HJ
• Yim JE
• Kim KA
• Chyun JH

Abstract

As well-being foods pursuing healthy life are becoming popular, interest in Rubus coreanus Miquel (RCM) fruit, a type of Korean blackberry, is increasing due to its medicinal actions including protecting the liver, brightening the eyes, and alleviating diabetes. This study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of RCM concentrates on liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. RCM, produced in June ~ July 2008 at Chunbook, Gochang (South Korea), was finely mashed. The seeds were removed and the juices were condensed. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups according to treatment: normal (eight rats), CCl4, 1% RCM, and 2% RCM. Experimental diets were provided to the experimental animals for 4 weeks. We measure total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. Part of the livers was isolated for histopathological evaluation, and analyzed for lipid peroxide (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and liver proteins. The activities of serum AST, ALT, and ALP were elevated following CCl4 administration. Levels of hepatic TBARS were also significantly increased in the CCl4 groups. However, hepatic TBARS levels and the activities of serum enzymes were markedly reduced by supplementation with the RCM concentrates (P < 0.05). Hepatic SOD activity increased in the RCM concentrates group versus CCl4 groups. Histopathological examination revealed massive necrosis in the centrilobular area and degenerative changes caused by CCl4 were ameliorated by dietary supplementation with RCM concentrates. These results suggest that RCM concentrates have hepatoprotective effects and may improve the symptoms of liver injuries.

Keyword

Rubus coreanus Miquel; carbon tetrachloride; hepatoprotective effects

MeSH Terms

Alanine
Alkaline Phosphatase
Animals
Aspartic Acid
Carbon Tetrachloride*
Carbon*
Cholesterol
Diet
Dietary Supplements
Fruit
Liver*
Necrosis
Rats*
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Superoxide Dismutase
Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances
Transferases
Alanine
Alkaline Phosphatase
Aspartic Acid
Carbon
Carbon Tetrachloride
Cholesterol
Superoxide Dismutase
Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances
Transferases

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Histopathological examination of liver tissues from the experimental rats. (A) Control group, (B) CCl4 group, (C) CCl4 + 1% RCM group, (D) CCl4 + 2% RCM group, CV: central vein, Hematoxylin-eosin staining, 100× magnification

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