Highbush blueberry slows down the development of cirrhosis of the liver and the related changes in the structure and work of this organ, according to Chinese research published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.
Cirrhosis is characterized by progressive fibrosis in the liver parenchyma, where liver cells (hepatocytes) are replaced with connective tissue fibers. This disrupts the normal structure of the organ and impairs its metabolic functions. Cirrhosis can be caused by toxins (including alcohol), metabolic disorders, and viral infections, including hepatitis B or C.
Liver damage from cirrhosis is irreversible but can be significantly slowed down or stopped with appropriate treatment.
Conventional drugs used for this purpose have various side effects. Therefore, scientists are increasingly looking for natural ingredients that would have a protective effect on liver cells (hepatocytes). Previous research shows, for example, that such an effect may have curcumin present in the popular kitchen spice – curry, as well as coffee.
The latest work of scientists from the Medical College in Guiyang shows that now this list can be extended with the American blueberry (otherwise: highbush blueberry), known for its high content of antioxidant compounds. It is important because oxygen free radicals – molecules that strongly oxidize and thus damage cell components – significantly contribute to the development of cirrhosis.
The experiments were carried out on 45 rats, which were divided into 5 groups. Apart from the control group, cirrhosis of the liver was experimentally induced in all rodents by subcutaneous injection of a highly toxic solvent (carbon tetrachloride) twice a week for 2 months and the administration of a fatty, low-protein food. One of the four groups of animals was given concentrated blueberry juice, the other – capsules with a blend of herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine, which previously proved effective in preventing liver fibrosis, and the third – blueberry juice and herb capsules. The fourth group with experimentally induced cirrhosis did not receive any additional preparations.
It turned out that blueberry extract was as effective in protecting the livers of animals against fibrosis as Chinese herbs.
In animals that received it, the levels of hyaluronic acid, which is an indicator of liver fibrosis, and the enzyme alanine aminotransferase, which increases in liver-damaging diseases, were significantly lower than in rats that were not given any of the preparations. On the other hand, the level of an enzyme called superoxide dismutase, whose task is to neutralize free oxygen radicals, increased.
In addition, in the livers of animals consuming blueberry extract, as in rats receiving Chinese herbs, the process of fibrosis was much less pronounced.
According to the researchers, this indicates that blueberries protect hepatocytes (liver cells) from damage by reducing inflammatory processes and inhibiting fat oxidation. Increased consumption of these fruits may be a good way to prevent liver disease, the researchers conclude. (PAP)