Plasma glucose and lipid concentrations and hepatic enzyme activities were
measured in male ddY mice supplemented with the herb, Echevaria glauca, to
examine the effect of herbal treatment. In mice supplemented with the herb,
plasma triglyceride (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations decrease
d and hepatic glycolytic enzyme and glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx) activiti
es increased significantly compared with those in the nontreated control mi
ce. These increases in hepatic enzyme activities were not fully dose-depend
ent, however the higher dose and longer duration with herb supplement induc
ed increases in the enzyme activities. It was found that dietary herb suppl
ement caused an acceleration of hepatic function, judged by increased activ
ities of glycolytic enzyme and GSHpx in ddY mice.