Effects of "Chinese yam" on hepato-nephrotoxicity of acetaminophen in rats.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of yam in Taiwan, which is a commonly used Chinese medicine, on hepato-nephro-toxicity in rats.


METHODS
Crude water extract of yam (Dioscorea alata L), was used to treat rats with an acute toxicity induced by acetaminophen (APAP) challenge.


RESULTS
The pharmacological and biochemical studies showed the extract of yam had the effect of kidney secureness and liver fortification (P < 0.01). The pathologic sections showed good improvements in renal tubular degranulation changes, necrosis and disintegration. The extract of yam also possessed a good protection against the inflammation of central vein and necrosis of liver tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
The liver and kidneys are originated from the same source. Pathologically, deficiency of the life essence in the kidney may lead to the blood deficiency in the liver. The results showed that the yam could prevent the damages of the liver and kidneys, thus preserving their functions. This could b e the reason why the yam was commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, as seen in Liuwei Dihuang Wan be used in the case of deficiency of liver-yin and kidney-yin.
Lee
Shih-Chang
SC
Institute of Food Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan, China.
Tsai
Chin-Chun
CC
Chen
Jung-Chou
JC
Lin
Jaung-Geng
JG
Lin
Chun-Ching
CC
Hu
Miao-Lin
ML
Lu
Shin
S
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D027742:Dioscorea / Q000737:chemistry*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D016710:Yin Deficiency / Q000188:drug therapy
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; C042579:Liuwei Dihuang Decoction; D000082:Acetaminophen