Ameliorative effect of Fructus Gardeniae against lipotoxicity associated hepatocytes injury through activating Nrf2 signaling pathway

Fructus Gardeniae (FG) is the dried ripe fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, having beneficial effects for human health. In this study, we discovered that the most relevant pathway influenced by Fructus Gardeniae extract (FGE) is lipid metabolism according to the analysis of network pharmacology. Furthermore, the protective effect of FGE against palmitic acid-induced lipotoxicity was investigated. In L02 cells, FGE significantly promoted cellular proliferation after being treated with palmitic acid, and reduced the accumulation of lipid droplets and triglyceride level. Palmitic acid led to an increase of ROS content, which was reduced by FGE. Additionally, FGE could facilitate Nrf2 localized to nuclear and followed by activating its downstream targets. ML385 (a Nrf2 inhibitor) treatment further proved that FGE attenuated lipotoxicity through regulating Nrf2/ARE pathway. Consequently, we demonstrated for the first time FGE could be regarded as potential functional food materials for hepatic protection.