探討山苦瓜葉萃取區分物緩解脂肪肝與肝纖維化的效應，並分離鑑定具生物活性之組成分

The aim of this study was to determine the protective effect of wild bitter melon (WBM; Momordica charantia Linn. var. abbreviata Ser.) against chronic carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in mice. The triterpenoid-enriched extract (TEE) was prepared from WBM leaves. Mice were pre-treated with TEE (100 or 150 mg/kg) by oral gavage for 1 week prior to CCl4 injection. Mice were induced by CCl4 to develop chronic liver injury and co-administered with TEE for 9 weeks. The results showed that TEE treatment significantly lowered serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels. As reflected in pathological examinations, TEE treatment improved CCl4-induced hepatocellular impairments. As revealed in the immunohistochemical assay, TEE-administered mice showed a reduced level of α-smooth muscle actin in liver tissue. TEE also inhibited CCl4-enhanced hepatic triglyceride deposit. TEE significantly decreased transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels and down-regulated the toll like receptor (TLR) 4 mRNA expression induced by CCl4. TEE-administered mice (150 mg/kg) showed a reduced incidence of intrahepatic inflammatory Ly6C monocyte infiltration. In conclusion, TEE ameliorate chronic liver injury and fibrosis through inhibition of inflammation.