The liver serves as an epicentre and paramount determinant of the health status of an individual. Due to the key role played by the liver in the sustenance of life, it is important to research into substances which can help to protect the liver from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is a metabolic disorder associated with the accumulation of fat in the liver. NAFLD is also linked to obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Data from Public Health England states that 61.7% of the UK population are obese. The NHS also states that 5% of the UK population are in the early stages of NAFLD. Furthermore, NAFLD has been found to be prevalent in the general population of North America (34%) and other developed countries such as China (15%). My PhD research aimed at investigating the bioactivity of four Gentian plant species – Gentiana lutea, Gentiana macrophylla, Gentiana scabra and Gentiana rigescens – against NAFLD. The roots of Gentiana lutea were used in 180 BC as a tonic, listed in the British Pharmacopoeia as Gentian BP and also used as the principal plant species in a Chinese folkloric proprietary blend called Longdan Xiegan Tang (a liver tonic). The Chinese Materia Medica reports that Gentian causes a reduction in jaundice while promoting gall-bladder function. I aimed to determine whether or not Gentian conferred protection to the liver from the effects of fatty acids when liver cells were pre-treated with Gentian before fatty acid exposure and determine the active compounds responsible for this protection. The results showed that the active compounds in Gentian helped to minimise the effects of fatty acids on the liver by over 70%. This research can be applied in producing wellness products which can be taken to protect the liver from the harmful effects of fat and enhance its function.

1. THE FIGHT TO PROTECT THE LIVER:
GENTIAN PLANTS vs FATTY LIVER DISEASE
ANTHONY OSEI BOATENG
Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of Life Sciences
My interest in researching phytochemicals (plant chemicals)
which help to protect the liver began during my BSc
Herbal Medicine degree in Ghana, which was done in
a pharmaceutical and clinical setting where I assessed
many patients with liver diseases. I also obtained an MSc in Pharmaceutical
Science from London Metropolitan University during which I received a
citation from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for my Diamond Jubilee article
titled: Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee; A Diamond in the Hearts of Many.
After my first degree, I worked as a Medical Researcher at the Noguchi
Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and Centre for Scientific
Research into Plant Medicine, which undertook WHO-funded projects in
phytochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology and toxicology. One key study
that shaped my interest in researching phytochemicals for my PhD was done
at NMIMR, in collaboration with Harvard and Yale, to investigate the anti-
malaria action of phytochemicals and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine using
the haematin-polymerisation prevention mechanism of chloroquine as a
template. I later worked as the Director for Research and Development at
Tree of Life Inc, where I formulated and implemented research models for the
development of medicinal plants. These varied experiences have enhanced
my PhD research in a special way.
I have had the opportunity to interact with other researchers during my
PhD, showcase my research findings at numerous conferences and also
acknowledge the support received from my supervisory team and guidance
obtained via the Graduate School’s Doctoral Researcher Development
Programme sessions.
The liver serves as an epicentre and paramount determinant of the health
status of an individual. Due to the key role played by the liver in the
sustenance of life, it is important to research into substances which can
help to protect the liver from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD),
which is a metabolic disorder associated with the accumulation of fat in
the liver. NAFLD is also linked to obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Data
from Public Health England states that 61.7% of the UK population are
obese. The NHS also states that 5% of the UK population are in the early
stages of NAFLD. Furthermore, NAFLD has been found to be prevalent
in the general population of North America (34%) and other developed
countries such as China (15%).
My PhD research aimed at investigating the bioactivity of four Gentian
plant species – Gentiana lutea, Gentiana macrophylla, Gentiana scabra
and Gentiana rigescens – against NAFLD. The roots of Gentiana lutea
were used in 180 BC as a tonic, listed in the British Pharmacopoeia as
Gentian BP and also used as the principal plant species in a Chinese
folkloric proprietary blend called Longdan Xiegan Tang (a liver tonic).
The Chinese Materia Medica reports that Gentian causes a reduction
in jaundice while promoting gall-bladder function. I aimed to determine
whether or not Gentian conferred protection to the liver from the effects
of fatty acids when liver cells were pre-treated with Gentian before fatty
acid exposure and determine the active compounds responsible for
this protection.
The results showed that the active compounds in Gentian helped to
minimise the effects of fatty acids on the liver by over 70%. This research
can be applied in producing wellness products which can be taken to
protect the liver from the harmful effects of fat and enhance its function.
8211/02.17/RB/R