Researchers tested a combination of two natural compounds—ginsenoside-MC1 and irisin—to see if they could protect the liver from damage in diabetic rats. The liver can get injured when blood flow is cut off and then restored, which sometimes happens during surgery or medical emergencies. In this study, diabetic rats treated with both compounds together showed significantly better liver protection, with less damage and better liver function compared to untreated rats. The treatment worked by protecting tiny structures inside liver cells called mitochondria from dying. While these results are promising, this research was done in rats, so more testing in humans is needed before doctors could use this approach.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether combining two natural substances could protect rat livers from injury caused by temporarily stopping and restarting blood flow, especially in diabetic animals
  • Who participated: Male laboratory rats that were made diabetic through diet and a chemical injection, then given either the treatment combination, individual treatments, or no treatment
  • Key finding: Rats receiving both compounds together had much better liver function and less liver damage compared to untreated rats, with improvements in multiple markers of liver health (P < 0.05)
  • What it means for you: This suggests a potential future treatment for diabetic patients who need surgery or procedures that temporarily reduce blood flow to the liver, though human studies are needed to confirm safety and effectiveness

The Research Details

Researchers created a model of type 2 diabetes in rats by feeding them a high-fat diet and giving them a small dose of a chemical that damages the pancreas. After the rats developed diabetes, they were divided into groups: some received ginsenoside-MC1 (a compound from ginseng), some received irisin (a hormone-like protein), some received both, and some received neither. The treatment lasted 28 days. Then all rats were given a procedure that temporarily cut off blood flow to their liver and then restored it—mimicking what happens during certain surgeries. The researchers then measured various markers of liver damage and cellular health.

This approach is important because it tests whether combining two different protective compounds works better than using them separately. The researchers measured multiple indicators of liver function and cellular damage to get a complete picture of what was happening inside the liver cells.

This research design allows scientists to understand not just whether a treatment works, but also how it works at the cellular level. By measuring liver enzymes, cell death markers, and energy production in mitochondria, the researchers could identify the specific protective mechanisms. This information is crucial for developing treatments that might work in humans.

This is a controlled laboratory study with clear measurement of multiple outcomes. The researchers used established methods for inducing diabetes and liver injury in rats, and they measured several different markers of liver damage to confirm their findings. The use of a chemical inhibitor (compound C) to block the protective pathway and reverse the benefits strengthens the evidence that the treatment works through the proposed mechanism. However, this is animal research, so results may not directly translate to humans.

What the Results Show

Rats treated with the combination of both compounds showed significant improvements in liver function. Levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and LDH) that indicate liver damage were much lower in treated rats compared to untreated rats. When researchers examined liver tissue under a microscope, treated rats showed much less structural damage and injury compared to untreated rats.

The combination therapy also restored the function of mitochondria—the energy-producing structures inside cells. Treated rats had better mitochondrial energy production (ATP), healthier cell membranes, and less harmful reactive oxygen species (unstable molecules that damage cells). Additionally, markers of oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules) were improved, with lower levels of damaging molecules and higher levels of protective antioxidants.

Perhaps most importantly, the treatment reduced cell death in the liver. Treated rats had lower levels of proteins that trigger cell death and higher levels of protective proteins that prevent it. This suggests the treatment specifically protected liver cells from dying during the injury.

The researchers found that the protective effects worked through specific cellular signaling pathways. The treatment activated a protective pathway called AMPK while reducing activation of a damaging pathway called JNK. When researchers used a chemical to block the AMPK pathway, the protective benefits disappeared, confirming that AMPK activation was essential for the treatment’s effectiveness. This finding is important because it shows exactly how the treatment protects the liver.

Previous research has shown that both ginsenoside and irisin have individual protective effects in various tissues. This study is novel because it tests whether combining them provides better protection than either alone. The finding that the combination works through the AMPK/JNK pathway aligns with existing knowledge about how cells protect themselves from injury, suggesting the results are consistent with current scientific understanding.

This research was conducted only in rats with artificially induced diabetes, so results may not directly apply to humans with naturally occurring diabetes. The study did not test different doses or treatment durations to find optimal conditions. The researchers did not compare the combination therapy to existing medical treatments for liver injury. Additionally, the study did not examine long-term effects or potential side effects of the treatment. More research in larger animals and eventually humans would be needed before this could become a clinical treatment.

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, there is preliminary evidence (moderate confidence) that combining ginsenoside-MC1 and irisin may protect the liver from injury in diabetic patients undergoing procedures that temporarily reduce blood flow. However, this remains experimental and should not be used outside of clinical trials. Anyone with diabetes considering new treatments should discuss options with their healthcare provider.

This research is most relevant to diabetic patients who may need surgery or medical procedures involving temporary reduction of blood flow to the liver. It may also interest researchers studying liver protection and diabetes complications. People with type 2 diabetes who are interested in emerging treatments should be aware of this research but should not attempt to use these compounds without medical supervision. This is not yet ready for general public use.

In this animal study, the protective effects were observed after 28 days of treatment followed by the injury procedure. If this treatment eventually reaches human trials, it would likely take several years of testing to determine appropriate dosing, timing, and duration of treatment before any benefits could be expected in patients.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • For users with diabetes who may be interested in liver health, track liver function markers (AST, ALT levels) if available through regular blood work, noting any changes over time alongside dietary and supplement changes
  • Users could log daily intake of ginseng-based supplements and monitor energy levels and general wellness, while maintaining a log of any medical procedures or surgeries planned, to discuss emerging protective strategies with their healthcare provider
  • Establish a baseline of liver health markers through regular medical checkups, then monitor changes quarterly while maintaining a health journal that tracks diabetes management, supplement use, and any procedures requiring blood flow changes

This research was conducted in laboratory rats and has not been tested in humans. These findings are preliminary and should not be used to guide personal medical decisions. Ginsenoside-MC1 and irisin are not currently approved medical treatments for liver injury. Anyone with diabetes or liver disease should consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or treatments. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Do not attempt to self-treat liver conditions with these compounds without medical supervision.