Insect tea extract attenuates CCl₄-induced hepatic damage through its antioxidant capacities in ICR mice

The Insect tea extract (ITE) contained many polyphenols, the aim of the present study was to determine the preventive effects of ITE on CCl₄-induced hepatic damage in mice. ITE treated mice could reduce hepatic injury compared to the control mice. The 200 mg/kg ITE increased TC, ALB, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px serum levels, and decreased ALT, AST, ALP, TG, BUN, NO, MDA levels compared to the control group. By histological observation, ITE reduced injury to hepatic cells, and these effects were close to that seen with the drug silymarin. The antioxidant related mRNA and protein expressions of Mn SOD, Gu/Zn SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px increased with ITE treatment in hepatic damage mice. ITE treated mice also showed higher IκB-α mRNA and protein expression, and lower NF-κB-p65, iNOS, COX-2 expressions than those of control mice. These results proved ITE has a prophylactic effect in protecting against hepatic injury through the antioxidant capacities.