Hepatoprotective effect of meal replacement seeds juice based on sweet potato (MRSJ) against CCl ₄-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells

A sweet potato-based Meal Replacement Seeds Juice (MRSJ) was developed by mixing sweet potatoes and carrots with four types of seeds. Consuming the MRSJ rather than the whole vegetables or whole seeds improved digestive function, proving that it is suitable for the elderly. Its rich composition of minerals, vitamins, and unsaturated fatty acids implicates it as an excellent nutrient source. Notably, the ethyl acetate fraction of MRSJ contains abundant phenolics. The antioxidant activity assays showed that these phenolics have high radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and antioxidant capacity similar to l-ascorbic acid. The ethyl acetate fraction exerted protective effects against CCl₄- or H₂O₂-induced hepatotoxicity via DNA protection, lipid accumulation inhibition, and cell protection, wherein ALT and AST activities in the cell culture solution decreased significantly. These findings suggest that MRSJ consumption may protect against liver diseases. Moreover, MRSJ as an excellent nutrient source may be developed as an age-neutral food.

Keywords: Antioxidant; Hepatoprotection; Liver function; Meal replacement juice; Sweet potato.