A comparative study on the hepatoprotective action of bear bile and coptidis rhizoma aqueous extract on experimental liver fibrosis in rats

Abstract

Aim of the studyBear bile and Coptidis Rhizoma have been used in Chinese medicine with a long tradition in treating heat-diseases. Both bear bile and Coptidis Rhizoma are used to treat liver diseases in clinical practice of Chinese Medicine. Since bears are currently endangered, it raises the question whether the use of bear bile is ethical. To look for substitute for bear bile, the aim of this study is to compare the anti-fibrotic effects of Coptidis Rhizoma and its major component berberine with the actions of bear bile and its major compound tauroursodeoxycholic acid on experimental liver fibrosis in rats.MethodQuality assessment was conducted with high performance liquid chromatography. The experimental liver fibrosis in rats was induced by carbon tetrachloride, alcohol, and bile duct ligation respectively. The biochemical criteria in the blood and tissue samples were measured to evaluate the anti-fibrotic properties and underlying mechanisms of the drugs.ResultsCoptidis Rhizoma Aqueous Extract (CRAE), berberine, and bear bile exerted anti-fibrotic properties on various liver fibrosis models in rats. CRAE and berberine significantly reduced the peroxidative stress in liver through increasing the superoxide dismutase enzyme activity. CRAE and berberine were able to excrete bilirubin products from the liver and protect hepatocytes from cholestatic damage. The effect of CRAE and berberine are comparable to that of bear bile.ConclusionInstead of using bear bile, CRAE and berberine can be potential substitutes in treating liver fibrosis.

The Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Liver Diseases

“…For example, Coptidis rhizome , a traditional Chinese medicinal plant used to clear heat and scavenge toxins, belongs to liver meridian in Chinese medicinal practice [ 149 , 150 ]. The effect of Coptidis rhizome and its bioactive compound berberine on CCl 4 -induced chronic and acute hepatotoxicity in rats has been thoroughly studied by our research group [ 10 , 30 , 127 ]. We have found that Coptidis rhizome might act as an antioxidant to relieve CCl 4 -induced oxidative stress and hepatic damage.…”

“…It is worth noting that vitamin E has been demonstrated clinically to be a rather promising drug for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [ 28 , 29 ]. Although data from clinical studies is yet to prove the efficacy of antioxidant, application of antioxidants is a rational curative strategy for prevention and treatment of liver diseases involving oxidative stress [ 17 , 30 ]. Natural antioxidants have been found in many edible (such as fruits, vegetables, cereals and tea) and medicinal plants, which often possess strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging abilities as well as anti-inflammatory action [ 9 ].…”

Current Status of Herbal Medicines in Chronic Liver Disease Therapy: The Biological Effects, Molecular Targets and Future Prospects

“…The further mechanism study showed that the anti-fibrosis effects by berberine may be induced by activation of AMPK, blockade of Nox4 and Akt expression [ 123 ]. A comparative research on the hepatoprotective action of bear bile and CRAE on experimental liver fibrosis in rats demonstrated that berberine, CRAE, and bear bile all exhibited anti-fibrotic properties on liver fibrosis [ 124 ]. All of these agents could remarkably increase the SOD activity and reduce the peroxidative stress in rat liver.…”

Metabolic profile of Rhizoma coptidis in human plasma determined using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry

“…Rhizoma coptidis , commonly known as Huang Lian in China, has been one of the most important medicinal plants used for the treatment of various diseases in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years. In recent years, numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that Rhizoma coptidis and its main active constituents display a variety of activities including anti‐bacterial, anti‐cancer, anti‐hyperglycemic, anti‐hyperlipidemic, anti‐diabetic, anti‐obesity, anti‐inflammatory, radio‐protective and hepato‐protective effects . Moreover, Rhizoma coptidis and its isolated alkaloids have been reported to have cardio‐protective and neuro‐protective properties.…”