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

This study investigated the saponin fraction (SF) from P. japonicus aerial parts against NAFL. The saponin fraction was isolated from P. japonicus aerial parts using D-101 macroporous resin, containing six identified ginsenosides. The SF could reduce the accumulation of lipids in liver and the hepatic index, decrease the levels of TC and TG in serum and in liver, and decrease the levels of AST and ALT in serum. Additionally, the SF could increase the SOD and GSH-Px levels while reducing the levels of MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β and FFA in liver. After treatment with SF, the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway was activated through phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC, and the expression of 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.