DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] This invention utilizes the root of Panax pseudo - ginseng (Wall), which is also called “Denhichi”. This Chinese herb has been known to improve lipid metabolic failure, and to control hypertension and pain relief.

[0038] Eucommia bark generally consists of dried bark of Eucommiae ulmoides and is also called “Tochu”. This Chinese herb has been known to reduce hypertension and high blood lipid level.

[0039] The “Tochu” or Eucommiae ulmoides in this invention, however, not only refers to “Eucommia bark” but also includes leaves and fruits of Eucommiae ulmoides.

[0040] “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” is a novel composition of Chinese herbs comprising Panax pseudo - ginseng and Eucommia bark, which was invented by the present inventors. “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” is produced by extracting the root of Panax pseudo - ginseng and the Eucommiae ulmoides with hot water. The composition “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” can contain honey and Panax ginseng (Chinese Ginseng) as additives.

[0041] The word “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” of the present invention indicates the composition comprising dried extracts of Chinese herbs, such as Panax pseudo ginseng and Eucommia mainky.

[0042] In “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” of the present invention the compositions of Chinese herbs are Panax pseudo - ginseng (Denhichi) 10˜90 weight %, preferably 30˜90 weight %, Eucommiae ulmoides (Tochu) 10˜90 weight %, preferably 10˜70 weight % or 40˜90 weight %, Panax ginseng (Chinese ginseng) 0˜20 weight %, preferably 5˜20 weight %, and honey 0˜30 weight %. A preferable composition for Denhichi-Tochu-Sei of the present invention is 30 weight % of Panax pseudo - ginseng, 40 weight % of Eucommiae ulmoides, 20 weight % of Panax ginseng (Chinese ginseng) and 10 weight % of honey, or 30 weight % of Panax pseudo - ginseng, 40 weight % of Eucommiae ulmoides, 10 weight % of Panax ginseng (Chinese ginseng), 10 weight % of honey and 10 weight % of others.

[0043] In this invention, although the most preferable ratio of Panax pseudo - ginseng and Eucommiae ulmoides in the composition is 3:4, even at the 1:0.1˜1:9 ratio, biological effects such as lowering blood pressure and blood cholesterol and enhancing immune condition are still retained.

[0044] Gallic acid is 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, which is contained in “ Gallae halepensis”, “Gallae rhois”, “Gallae chinensis ”, as well as other herbs, which are used as Chinese medicines. The gallic acid-containing herbal extracts include these Chinese medicines.

[0045] “Osei” ( Polygonati Rhizoma ) is obtained from the rootstocks of Polygonatum falcatum A. Gray, other plants of the same genus, Siberian Solomonseal Rhizome or the like. “Osei” is known and used as Chinese medicines which have been useful for improvement of nutrition state and health promotion.

[0046] Licorice root is obtained from the roots or kernels of Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn or the like and also called “glycyrrhiza”, “licorice”, “liquorice”, “glycyrrhiza radix”, or “Kanzo”.

[0047] Glycyrricine, which is a main component of Licorice root, has been known to improve several symptoms with liver injuries and to elevate the serum transaminase by the double blind examination.

[0048] Further, glycyrricine has been shown to protect CCl ₄ -induced liver injury (Y. Ishii, Japan J. Pahrmaco, 120, 71, 1971).

[0049] Composition of Denhichi-Tochu-Sei and compositions containing Denhichi-Tochu-Sei, extracts of Polygonati Rhizoma and/or Gallae rhois and Licorice root in the present invention, can be dissolved in water and readily absorbed into the living body, and were found to afford the effects continuously.

[0050] Especially, granules or tablets obtained by drying under heating the composition comprising Polygonati Rhizoma and/or Gallae rhois, Licorice root, “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” and an emulsifier shows not only the effects of Polygonati Rhizoma and/or Gallae rhois and Licorice root, but also the synergistic effect of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, improving the blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels and liver functions.

[0051] The composition of this invention preferably contains “ Polygonati Rhizoma ”, “ Siberian Solomonseal Rhizome” or the like, which is called “Osei” as Chinese medicines.

[0052] Youjyo-Hensikoh is another Chinese medicines, which was invented by the present inventors, and comprises hot water or alcoholic extracts of Denhichi ( Panax pseudo - ginseng ), Tochu ( Eucommiae ulmoides ), Osei (such as Polygonatum falcatum, Polygonati Rhizoma, Siberian Solomonseal Rhizome ), Kanzo (Licorice root) and honey.

[0053] Next, methods for the preparation of the composition of this invention are described.

[0054] First, dried Eucommia (leaves, fruit, bark) and dried Panax pseudo - ginseng were minced, and the minced mixture was extracted with hot water at 60° C.˜100° C. for 0.5˜2 hr or with ethanol or a mixed solution of ethanol and water at room temperature to 100° C. (extraction step). Then, through filtration and concentration steps, the extracts thus obtained were mixed with Chinese Ginseng ( Panax ginseng ) in the form of extract or in other appropriate form and honey (mixing step). Further, by processing under hot air, powdered “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” is obtained.

[0055] In the same manner, a Polygonati Rhizoma extract and/or gallic acid-containing herbal extracts were obtained by extracting minced dry Polygonati Rhizoma and/or a minced dry gallic acid-containing Chinese herb with hot water or ethanol, and then concentrating the extract solution. The powder of Polygonati Rhizoma and/or gallic acid-containing herbal extracts is obtained by heat drying the extracts.

[0056] In the present invention, the extraction can be carried out by using hot water at 60° C.˜100° C., or ethanol or a mixed solution of ethanol and water of 100:0˜0:100 at room temperature to 100° C. An extract obtained using ethanol or a mixed solution of ethanol and water is referred to as alcoholic extract in this specification.

[0057] Emulsifier was added to the above mixture to prepare tablets under heat drying.

[0058] Polygonati Rhizoma (extract) and/or gallic acid-containing herb (herbal extracts) and licorice extract can be contained in the above mentioned “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”.

[0059] Addition of emulsifier to the mixture produced tablets. By processing the composition as mentioned above, powder, tablet, liquid and food supplements are prepared. Honey, vegetable oil, xylitol or the like can be used as emulsifier. The weight % of the emulsifier is preferably 0˜20%.

[0060] The mixing ratio of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, Polygonati Rhizoma (extract) (and/or gallic acid-containing herb (herbal extracts)) and Licorice root is in a range of 10˜80%, 4˜20% and 4˜15% (weight %), respectively. In the case of Polygonati Rhizoma (extract) and/or gallic acid-containing herb (herbal extracts), a preferable mixing range is 6˜12 weight %. In the case of Licorice, a preferable mixing range is 6˜11 weight % or 0%, depending on conditions of individual patients.

[0061] Especially compositions obtained by mixing powdered Panax pseudo - ginseng 60 weight %, “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” 20 weight %, Polygonati Rhizoma (and/or gallic acid-containing herbal extracts) 8 weight %, Licorice 8 weight % and emulsion 4 weight % are favorable for production of various kinds of food supplements.

[0062] Compositions of the present invention can be processed as powder, granules, tablets and dry syrup suitable for alternative medicine, food supplements and the like. Content of composition of the present invention is in the range of 0.1˜0.5 g per tablet, or in the range of 0.1˜30 weight %, preferably 1˜5 weight % based on alternative medicine or food supplements.

[0063] In the case of tablets obtained by heat drying the mixture of “Denhichi powder”, “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, Polygonati Rhizoma and/or gallic acid-containing herbal extracts and Licorice, the content of composition of this invention should be 0.25 g/tablet or less.

[0064] The proper amount of the aforementioned “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” for ingestion per day is 0.1˜2 g/kg, preferably 0.1˜0.25 g/kg.

[0065] In the present invention, pet includes animal, bird and fish (dog, cat, monkey, rabbit, chicken, duck, gold fish) which can be raised by human beings.

[0066] In addition, pig, cattle and horse (includes racing horse) are included for use.

[0067] In addition, the composition of this invention can be added to cakes, candy, bread, wine, liquor, curry and any health-care food.

[0068] Detailed explanations of this invention with examples will be made below. Rats (Wister, male) and mice (male) were used in the experiments.

EXAMPLE 1

[0069] Analysis of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” (granule):

[0070] Table 1 shows the analytical data of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” (granule), which consists of Panax pseudo - ginseng 30 weight %, Eucommia bark, 40 weight %, ginseng 20 weight % and honey 10 weight %.

[0071] In the following Examples, the composition of this Example 1 was used as “Denhichi-Tochi-Sei” (granule). 1

[0072] Table 2 shows the trace element contents of the above-mentioned “Denhichi-Tochi-Sei” (granule) determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. 2

EXAMPLE 2

[0073] Effect of Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” (granule) on the blood serum cholesterol of rats with hyperlipemia:

[0074] Rats (weight 180˜200 g) and mice (weight 18˜20 g) were divided into four groups (10 rats and mice for each group). The four groups were A) normal group, B) group with hyperlipemia (prepared by high fat administration), C) group with hyperlipemia (with high dosage of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” (granule), and D) group with hyperlipemia (with a low dosage of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” (granule). In the C and D groups, “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” and high fat feed were administered in the stomach through cannula constantly for 30 days. One four after the last administration, a blood sample was taken from rat ophthalmic vein, from which serum was separated. The serum was examined for the levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, lipoprotein of low molecular weight, LDL and lipoprotein of high molecular weight using Beckman's serum biochemical analyzer CX5. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0075] Table 3 clearly shows that addition of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” (granule) to the high fat feed prevents the appearance of hyperlipemia. Namely, blood serum cholesterol and lipoprotein of lower molecular weight were reduced and the slight elevation of lipoprotein with higher molecular weight and reduction of triglyceride were observed in group C and group D. In fact, statistical and significant differences were obtained between the values obtained with normal group (A) or group (B) given only high fat feed and the values obtained with groups given a high dosage of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” (referring to Table 3). 3

EXAMPLE 3

[0076] Effect of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” (granule) on mice with deteriorating immune system:

[0077] Mice were divided into three groups, i.e., a normal group for comparison, a group with deteriorating immune system and a group with deteriorating immune system given “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” (granule). A comparison of the immune system of these three groups was made. As can be seen in Table 4, the immune system of the individual mouse seems to improve after administrating “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” (granule). 4

EXAMPLE 4

[0078] Fatigue durability test:

[0079] Mice (weight 18˜20 g) were divided into two groups. One is a normal group, the other is a group “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” (granule) throughout for 20 days. The results of a fatigue durability test, which was conducted one hour after the last administration, are shown in Table 5. In the test, a mouse carried an iron with a weight corresponding to 10% of its body weight, attached to its tail and was made to swim in a thermostatic pool of 40 cm length×28 cm width×30 cm depth at a water temperature of 20° C. The time of swimming (sec) was measured. The results are shown in Table 5. 5

[0080] Table 5 clearly shows that the swimming time of the group with administration of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” (granule) was significantly longer than the normal group. The results suggest that “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” (granule) may contribute to the durability for fatigue.

EXAMPLE 5

[0081] Effect for mice with high blood sugar:

[0082] Mice with blood sugar level of above 180 mg/dl were used in this test. The mice (weight 21˜23 g) were divided into three groups, a normal mouse group, a group of mice with high blood sugar level and a group of mice with high blood sugar level, and administered “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” (granule). They were examined for their blood sugar levels. The results are shown in Table 5. After the mice with high blood sugar level received “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” (granule), the high blood sugar level of mice lowered to normal level. The results show that “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” (granule) possesses the ability effectively to control the blood sugar level of mice suffering from diabetes. 6

EXAMPLE 6

[0083] Effect of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” (mixed extracts) for the blood cholesterol of rats suffering with hyperlipemia

[0084] Rats and mice were divided into following four groups (10 rats and mice for each group). They wee A) normal group, B) a group suffering from hyperlipemia (with dosage of high fat feed), C) a group suffering from hyperlipemia (with high dosage of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” (hereinafter also referred to as mixed extracts), D) a group suffering from hyperlipemia (with a small amount of dosage of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” mixed extracts).

[0085] The composition of the mixed extracts in this example and the following examples was “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” 20 weight %, “ Gallae rhois” 8 weight % and “Licorice root” 8 weight %. The C and D groups were given the mixed extracts and high fat feed in the stomach through cannula constantly for 30 days. One hour after the last administration, a blood sample was taken from rat ophthalmic vein, from which serum was separated. The serum was examined for the levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, lipoprotein of low molecular weight, LDL and lipoprotein of high molecular weight using Beckmann's serum biochemical analyzer CX5. The results are shown in Table 7.

[0086] It can be shown from the results of Table 7 that hyperlipemia was prevented when “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” mixed extracts were added to high fat feed. Namely, the reduction of blood serum cholesterol, the reduction of lipoprotein with low molecular weight, the slight elevation of lipoprotein with higher molecular weight and reduction of triglyceride was observed in group C) and group D). Statistical and significant differences were obtained between the measurement value of normal group A) or group B) with only high fat feed and the values of 10 groups C) and D) with the mixed extracts. 7

EXAMPLE 7

[0087] Effect for hepatic diseases of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” mixed extracts:

[0088] Table 8 shows the effect of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” mixed extracts for rats with hepatic disease (n=8) induced by D-glucosamine (800 mg/kg). 8

EXAMPLE 8

[0089] Effect of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” mixed extracts for lipid peroxidation induced by carbon tetrachloride, lipid-binding for ¹⁴ CCl ₄ , CO production, NADPH oxidation and oxygen consumption.

[0090] Table 9 shows the effect on lipid peroxidation induced by carbon tetrachloride, lipid-binding for ¹⁴ CCl ₄ , CO production, NADPH oxidation and oxygen consumption. 9

EXAMPLE 10

[0091] Effect for mice with high blood sugar level:

[0092] When streptozotocin solution (90 mg/kg) was administered i.v. daily to mice (body weight 21˜23 g), the mice became conditioned with high blood sugar, reduced body weight and produced conditions with increasing drinking and urine.

[0093] This example used mice with blood sugar level of 180 mg/dl or more. The mice (weight 21˜23 g) were divided into three groups, normal mouse group, mouse group with high blood sugar level and mouse group with high blood sugar level, and administered mixed extracts (granule). They were examined for their blood sugar levels. The results are shown in Table 10. After the mice with high blood sugar level received mixed extracts (granule), the high blood sugar level became close to normal level. The mixed extracts of the present invention (granule) can effectively control the elevation of the blood sugar level of mice suffering from diabetes. 10

[0094] From the above-mentioned experiments with animals, the following results are shown clearly.

[0095] 1) The administration of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” and “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, gallic acid-containing herbal extracts and “Licorice root” mixed extracts show the lowering effect of hyperlipemia in rats and also the reduction of both serum cholesterol and lipoprotein of low molecular weight, the slight elevation of lipoprotein of high molecular weight and reduction of triglyceride in the mice.

[0096] 2) The administration of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” results in activation of monocyte macrophage of mice with deteriorating immune system.

[0097] 3) The long-term administration of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” is effective in enhancing the durability of mice against fatigue.

[0098] 4) The administration of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, gallic acid-containing herbal extracts and “Licorice root” mixed extracts are effective in the lowering of elevated serum GTP, GOT level in rats with hepatic disease induced by D-glucosamine.

[0099] 5) The administration of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, gallic acid-containing herbal extracts and “Licorice root” mixed extracts show the inhibitory effect in MDA production of rats induced by carbon tetrachloride, lipid-binding for ¹⁴ CCl ₄ , CO production, NADPH oxidation and oxygen consumption.

[0100] 6) The administration of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” and that of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, gallic acid-containing herbal extracts and “Licorice root” mixed extracts have lowered blood sugar level of rats with high blood sugar induced by streptozotocin.

[0101] The above results show the preventive effects of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” for hyperlipemia and the significant reduction of blood sugar level by “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” and also “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” mixed extracts, or taking in food and feed with them added. And the mixed extracts play a role in improvement of hepatic function. These results prove that this invention can effectively improve the health of human beings and animals.

[0102] Moreover, it is noteworthy that no side effects including acute toxic side effect, were seen in any of the animal tests.

EXAMPLE 11

[0103] Treatment effect of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” mixed extracts for the symptoms of patients with chronic viral hepatitis C

[0104] A HCV patient (male, aged 50) was treated for about 3.5 months by interferons (IFN) and no improvements in his GOP and GTP were observed. On the other hand, after the patient was treated for ten days by the administration of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” mixed extracts, the GOP level was improved from 159 to 89 and the GTP from 204 to 48. The results are shown in Table 11. 11

EXAMPLE 12

[0105] Treatment effect of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” mixed extracts for the patients with non-viral hepatitis:

[0106] After a female patient with non-viral hepatitis was treated for ten days by the dosage of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” mixed extracts, the GOP level was reduced from 53 to 39 and the GTP from 58 to 35. The results are shown in Table 12. 12

EXAMPLE 13

[0107] Effect of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” mixed extracts for the patient with hepatitis B:

[0108] A patient (male, aged 70) with HBs antibody positive was treated for ten days with the dosage of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” mixed extracts. At the fourth day of the dosage, his GOP level was lowered from 28 to 23 and the GTP from 60 to 28. The results are shown in Table 13. 13

EXAMPLE 14

[0109] Effect of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” mixed extracts for patients with drug hepatitis:

[0110] A patient (male, aged 30) with drug hepatitis was treated for ten days with the dosage of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” mixed extracts. At the fifth day after the stop of administration, the GOP level was lowered from 43 to 32 and the GTP from 121 to 27. The results are shown in Table 14. 14

EXAMPLE 15

Effect of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” mixed extracts for the symptoms of patients with chronic active hepatitis C:

[0111] A patient with abnormal liver function (GOT 80, GTP 102, γ-GTP 68) received a dosage of interferons three times a week for two weeks. At the eleventh day of the dosage, side effects appeared. Thereafter, instead of interferons, the “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” was given in a dose of 6 g per day for six days. The side effects disappeared and the liver function became better (GOT 60, GTP 47, γ-GTP 17). However, the amount of viruses still remained unchanged. After leaving the hospital, the patient received interferons three times a week and about two weeks later, “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” mixed extracts in a dose of 3 g per day for a week. The amount of viruses was reduced to 0.5 Meq/ml or less. The liver function returned to the normal condition (GOT 31, GPT 8, γ-GTP 14). The normal liver function (GOT 25, GTP 9, γ-GTP 12) was obtained after two months of the administration of “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, “ Gallae rhois ” and “Licorice root” mixed extracts. The results are shown in Table 15. 15

[0112] As explained above, “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei” and “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, gallic acid-containing herbal extracts and “Licorice root” mixed extracts of this invention can be used as food supplement (feed supplement) for healthcare. The compositions of this invention are proved to be effective in protection against hypertension and liver disorders. They also proved to be useful for healthcare and improvement of nutritional state and immune system. Especially, in the case of the mixed preparation of gallic acid-containing herbal extracts and “Licorice root” with “Denhichi-Tochu-Sei”, both components can be easily absorbed into the body of human beings and animals. In addition, the rapid effects with the above-mentioned preparation are observed.

EXAMPLE 16

[0113] Effect of Youjyo-Hensikoh in patients with various hepatic diseases

[0114] A Chinese herb prescription called “Youjyo-Hensikoh” was prepared from hot water extracts of Panax pseudo - ginseng (“Denhichi”) (55% by weight), Eucommiae ulmoides (“Tochu”) (25% by weight), Polygonati rhizoma ( Polygonatum falcatum ) (“Osei”) (10% by weight), Licorice root ( Glycyrrhiza licorice ) (“Kanzo”) (5% by weight), Ginseng radix ( Panax ginseng ) (3% by weight) and honey (2% by weight).

[0115] One gram of the above prescription was given orally three times a day after meals to patients (n=20) with various hepatic diseases including HCV under the control of physicians. Serum levels of ALT, AST and γ-GTP of the patients were examined.

[0116] These serum levels were markedly lowered after treatment with “Youjyo-Hensikoh” for ten days (mean values 18% reduction in ALT and 59% reduction in AST). In the case of normal adult, little change of serum ALT and AST levels was observed. Any side effects were not observed during the treatment.

[0117] The results are summarized in FIGS. 1 - 6 .

EXAMPLE 17

[0118] Effect of Youjyo-Hensikoh in D-galactosamine treated rat

[0119] Two milliliters of Youjyo-Hensikoh (50 mg/ml) were orally administered to rats of Group 3 (n=9), and 1 ml of D-galactosamine solution (800 mg/kg) were subcutaneously injected to rats of Group 2 (n=9) and Group 3. Group 1 (n=8) was a group for control. After 24 hours, feeding was stopped. At 48 hours after the administration of Youjyo-Hensikoh, blood was collected, and then ALT and AST were measured. The results are shown in FIG. 7 , in which values are shown as mean ±SD. *p<0.01 vs group 1 (control), **p<0.01 vs group 2 (D-galactosamine).

EXAMPLE 18

[0120] Effect of Youjyo-Hensikoh on glutathione metabolism in CCl ₄ -induced liver cirrhosis

[0121] A Chinese herb composition Youjyo-Hensikoh (K-17.22) was prepared from water extracts of Panax pseudo - ginseng (“Denhichi”) (55% by weight), Eucommiae ulmoides (“Tochu”) (25% by weight), Polygonati rhizoma ( Polygonatum falcatum or Siberian Solomonseal Rhizome ) (“Osei”) (10% by weight) and Licorice root ( Glycyrrhiza licorice or Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn) (“Kanzo”) (5% by weight), Ginseng radix ( Panax ginseng ) (3% by weight) and honey (2% by weight).

[0122] Male albino Wistar rats (3-week old, 60-75 g body weight) which had been kept in separate cages and in an environmentally-controlled vivarium with free access to standard food and deionized water were allocated into three groups:

[0123] A) given a s.c. injection of 0.1 ml/100 g body wt of CCl ₄ in olive oil (1:1 v/v) twice/week for 5 weeks;

[0124] B) as A plus oral supplementation with 50 mg/kg of K-17.22 dissolved in 5% glucose, concomitantly with the CCl ₄ injection;

[0125] C) as A plus oral supplementation with 50 mg/kg of K-17.22 dissolved in 5% glucose, 1 week after the 1st CCl ₄ injection.

[0126] Olive oil s.c. injection alone was used in the control group.

[0127] Rats were sacrificed at the end of the study period (3 days after the last injection) and blood and liver samples were obtained.

Preparation of Liver Supernatant Fraction

[0128] 50% homogenate was prepared by the method of Iga et al. (Biochem Pharmacol, 1977). A portion of the homogenate was used for GSH determination. The remainder was centrifuged at 150,000 g for 120 min in a Hitachi 65p-7 ultracentrifuge at 4° C. The supernatant fraction was immediately subjected to gel filtration after measuring the volume.

Elution of Supernatant

[0129] 3 ml of supernatant was applied to a Sephadex G-75 column (2.5×100 cm). Elution was performed with 0.01 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) using a pump-driven downward flow (2 ml/40 min/tube) at 4° C. A liquots of 200 μl from all tubes corresponding to the Y-fraction were assayed for GST activity using 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) as a substrate. All tubes showing GST activity were combined, freeze-dried at −80° C. and stored at −40° C. until measurement.

Analytical Method

[0130] The dried Y-protein was dissolved inphosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and GST activity was determined as described by Habig et al. (JBC, 1951) using CDNB and 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene (DCNB) as substrates, Y-protein and GSH concentrations in the liver homogenate were determined by the Lowry-Folin and Ellman methods, respectively. Plasma ALT and AST were determined by the pyruvate oxidase-p-chlorophenol method.

[0131] Liver histology was blindly assessed in 3 separate sections for necrosis and inflammatory infiltrate (1+: one focus per field, 2+ two or more foci per field)

Statistical Analysis

[0132] All means were reported with their standard error (mean±S.E.). Student's t test was utilized to determine the significance of differences between control and CCl ₄ - or CCl ₄ +K-17.22-treated groups.

[0133] Results are shown in FIGS. 8 - 14 .

[0134] These Figs. show the effect of K-17.22, that is a composition according to the present invention, on body weight and liver wet weight of rats ( FIG. 8 ), the effect of K-17.22 on Y-protein liver content of rats ( FIG. 9 ), the effect of K-17.22 on GSH content of the liver of rats ( FIG. 10 ), the effect of K-17.22 on GSH S-transferase activity in Y-fraction determined using selected substrates ( FIG. 11 ), the effect of K-17.22 on plasma level of transaminases ( FIG. 12 ), the effect of K-17.22 on plasma level of biliary stasis parameters ( FIG. 13 ), and the effect of K-17.22 on liver histology score (necrosis+inflammatory infiltrate) ( FIG. 14 ). These data suggest that:

[0135] 1) K-17.22 can exert a significant GSH- and Y-protein-sparing effect in CCl ₄ -induced liver injury together with a significant improvement of blood parameters of liver necrosis and biliary stasis;

[0136] 2) Such changes are paralleled by a significant reduction of the necro-inflammatory and fibrosis changes in the liver;

[0137] 3) Of interest, such abnormalities are improved even after initiation of CCl ₄ intoxication;

[0138] 4) As the inner beneficial mechanisms of K-17.22, an antioxidant action is likely to take place.

EXAMPLE 19

[0139] Effect of Youjyo-Hensikoh on change of GPT in patients with Hepatitis C

[0140] Youjyo-Hensikoh was prepared from water extracts of Panax pseudo - ginseng (55% by weight), Eucommiae ulmoides (25% by weight), Polygonati rhizoma ( Polygonatum falcatum ) (10% by weight), Licorice root ( Glycyrrhiza licorice ) (5% by weight), Ginseng radix ( Panax ginseng ) (3% by weight) and honey (2% by weight). Tablets were prepared which contained 250 mg of Youjyo-Hensikoh per one tablet.

[0141] Twenty patients with Hepatitis C virus took two tablets after each meal three times per day. The change of GPT in the patients is shown in Table 16 and FIGS. 15 and 16 . 16