The Effect of Garlic and Medicinal Plants Extracts on the Liver Function and Lipid Metabolism of Rats Administered with Alcohol

The effects of combined garlic and medicinal plant extracts such as Gyeolmyeongja (Cassia obtusifolia Linne), Hasuo (Polygoni multiflori Radix), Youngji (Ganoderma lucium) and Sansayuk (Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge) on the antioxidant activity and lipid levels in the livers of rats fed a high cholesterol diet were analyzed. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were the highest in the Gyeolmyeongja by 151.02±5.20 ㎎/100 g and 43.69±5.58 ㎎/100 g. Electron donating ability, reducing power and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity were significantly increased when over 0.3% garlic extract was added. The antioxidant activity of linoleic acid in β- carotene increased in a dose dependant manner in response to the concentration of garlic extract. In livers of rats, the content of total lipids was significantly decreased by feeding garlic and medicinal plants composites; in particular, the group in which 0.7% garlic extract was added was the lowest. Total cholesterol was 14.95 ㎎/g in the control group; its level was lower in the groups fed garlic and medicinal plants composites, ranging from 11.47 to 11.86 ㎎/g. Triglyceride concentration was significantly decreased in the group fed 0.7% garlic extracts, with 46.42 ㎎/g compared to groups fed 0.3% and 0.5%. TBARS content showed a 15.8～17.6% decrease in groups fed 0.5～0.7% garlic extract and medicinal plants composites. Antioxidant activity was significantly increased in groups fed over 0.5% garlic extract compared to the control group. This study shows that garlic and medicinal plant composites intake is able to reduce the levels of liver lipids in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Key words: garlic, medicinal plants, antioxidant, liver lipids