The aerial part of Panax japonicus alleviates HFD-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver via activation of the AMPK/ACC pathway in rats

Abstract This study investigated the saponin fraction (SF) from Panax japonicus aerial parts against NAFL. The SF was isolated from P. japonicus aerial parts using D-101 macroporous resin, containing 6 identified ginsenosides. The SF could reduce the accumulation of lipids in liver and the hepatic index, decrease the levels of TC and triglyceride in serum and in liver, and decrease the levels of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) in serum. Additionally, the SF could increase the SOD and GSH-Px levels while reducing the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α), Interleukin (IL-1β), and Free Fatty Acids (FFA) in the liver. After treatment with SF, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/ACC signaling pathway was activated through phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC, and the expression of HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) was inhibited, thereby reducing lipids synthesis. The results indicated that SF could treat NAFL by up-regulating the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway while inhibiting the expression of HMGCR.