Effect of herb supplement on hepatic enzyme activities in ddY mice

Plasma glucose and lipid concentrations and hepatic enzyme activities were measured in male ddY mice supplemented with the herb, Echevaria glauca, to examine the effect of herbal treatment. In mice supplemented with the herb, plasma triglyceride (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations decreased and hepatic glycolytic enzyme and glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx) activities increased significantly compared with those in the non-treated control mice. These increases in hepatic enzyme activities were not fully dose-dependent, however the higher dose and longer duration with herb supplement induced increases in the enzyme activities. It was found that dietary herb supplement caused an acceleration of hepatic function, judged by increased activities of glycolytic enzyme and GSHpx in ddY mice.