Atractylodes Rhizome Decomposes 'Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease'

Called 'Gilchogeun,' known as 'mouse urine grass' due to its mouse urine-like smell. Domestic researchers have published findings that Gilchogeun is effective in improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] A study has found that 'Gilchogeun,' also known as 'Jui-ojumpul' due to its root's smell resembling mouse urine, has effects in alleviating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is a fatty liver condition that occurs without alcohol consumption and is known to develop due to obesity or poor dietary habits. It is expected that health supplements aimed at improving liver function using Gilchogeun will be developed in the future.

The Korea Food Research Institute announced on the 16th that a research team led by Dr. Jung Changhwa of the Food Functionality Research Division scientifically demonstrated that Gilchogeun extract regulates 'autophagy' to improve non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, with the findings published in the international journal 'Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.'

Jui-ojumpul breaks down non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

To verify Gilchogeun's efficacy in improving fatty liver, the research team fed experimental mice a high-fat cholesterol diet for 12 weeks to induce fatty liver. Afterward, Gilchogeun extract was administered for 8 weeks. As a result, mice treated with Gilchogeun extract showed approximately a 38% reduction in body weight. Additionally, the size of the fatty liver decreased, and liver lipid levels dropped.

Notably, the activity of LC3 protein, autophagosomes, and lysosomes increased. This indicates that fatty liver was improved through the regulation of autophagy. Autophagy is a recycling system within cells that naturally breaks down unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular components.

The research team also identified that iridoids in Gilchogeun extract are key substances regulating autophagy. Furthermore, they confirmed that valeriotriate B, valtrate, and valecroline significantly contribute to autophagy activation.

Especially through mechanistic studies using cells deficient in the major autophagy genes Atg5 and Atg7, it was proven that the inhibition of lipid accumulation by Gilchogeun extract components is autophagy-dependent, demonstrating the extract's effectiveness in improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via autophagy.

Health functional food development expected after clinical trials

The research team anticipates the possibility of developing health functional foods using Gilchogeun. Hwang Jintaek, head of the Food Functionality Research Division at the Korea Food Research Institute, stated, "If further studies, including human application tests, confirm the efficacy of Gilchogeun, it could become a promising health functional food for improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease."

Meanwhile, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common condition among obese patients. Globally, it is reported to affect between 6.3% and 33% of the population. According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease increased by 16% in 2017 compared to the early 2000s. This rise is attributed to causes such as high-calorie diets, lack of exercise, metabolic diseases related to obesity, and aging.

Gilchogeun is a perennial herb distributed in Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Traditionally, it has been used in folk medicine to alleviate insomnia and stress.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.