Effects of Eriobotrya japonica seed extract on oxidative stress in rats with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis

Objectives Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis is associated with the deposition of lipid droplets in the liver, and is characterised histologically by the infiltration of inflammatory cells, hepatocellular degeneration and liver fibrosis. Oxidative stress may play an important role in the onset and deterioration of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. We previously reported that an Eriobotrya japonica seed extract, extracted in 70% ethanol, exhibited antioxidant actions in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we examined the effect of this extract in a rat model of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. Methods The seed extract was given in the drinking water to fats being fed a methionine‐choline‐deficient diet for 15 weeks. Key findings Increases in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly inhibited in rats fed the seed extract compared with the group on the diet alone. Formation of fatty droplets in the liver was also inhibited. Antioxidant enzyme activity in liver tissue was higher than in the diet‐only group and lipid peroxidation was reduced compared with rats that also received the extract. Expression of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine and 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal was lower in the rats given the seed extract than in the diet‐only group. In the former, liver tissue levels of transforming growth factor‐β and collagen were also decreased. Conclusions Thus, the E. japonica seed extract inhibited fatty liver, inflammation and fibrosis, suggesting its usefulness in the treatment of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis.