Evaluation of kudzu root extract-induced hepatotoxicity

Kudzu root, the root of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi, has been used as food and medicine for centuries, but few studies indicate that kudzu root may cause liver damage. We studied the hepatotoxicity of kudzu root extract in mice, HepG2 cells and mice hepatocytes. Mice were administrated with kudzu root extract (10 mg/day) for 4 weeks, and then the biochemical analysis and histopathological changes were carried out. To explore the potential mechanism by which kudzu root extract-induced hepatotoxicity, HepG2 cells and mice hepatocytes were co-cultured with kudzu root extract or puerarin, which is a kudzu root isoflavone, for 2 h. The increase of serum ALT and AST and histopathological changes in treated mice revealed that kudzu root extract was hepatotoxic. The increase of LDH leakage for HepG2 cells and mice hepatocytes further confirmed hepatotoxicity of kudzu root extract. Kudzu root extract and puerarin significantly up-regulated Mt1 mRNA involved in the acute phase response and Bax which is crucial for apoptosis. Gclc, Nrf2 and Ho-1 mRNA expressions did not change in treatment group. Kudzu root extract may be hepatotoxic and caution may be required for its use.