Acai (Euterpe oleracea mart.) attenuates alcohol-induced liver disease in rats

Alcohol-induced oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathological development of alcoholic liver disease. Açaí has been shown with high levels of phytochemicals that exhibit anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in many studies. However whether these features of açaí make it a good candidate for treating ALD is unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of açaí on hepatic oxidative stress and consequent liver disfunction in rats. Açaí puree (1mL/100 g body weight) was administered to alcohol-induced liver disease rats for 8 weeks. Various biochemical parameters related to oxidative stress and inflammatory factors along with histology of liver were evaluated to assess the effect of açaí against ALD. Our present study has shown that the administration of açaí puree attenuated liver injury caused by alcohol consumption. The production of inflammation mediators, such as TNF-α, TGF-β and IL-8 were elevated in alcohol treated rats but decreased upon the administration of açaí puree. With the administration of açaí, the levels of NF-κB and CD68 were lowered. The results obtained here strongly suggested the protective role of açaí against ALD and these effects are via its effects on oxidant stress and inflammation.