PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITION AND HEALTH FOOD COMPOSITION CONTAINING YOUNGIA DENTICULATA EXTRACT, FRACTION THEREOF, OR COMPOUND ISOLATED THEREFROM AS ACTIVE INGREDIENT FOR IMPROVING LIVER FUNCTION

摘要

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for preventing cancer or improving liver function, containing Youngia denticulata extract, a fraction thereof, or one or more compounds as an active ingredient selected from a group consisting of chlorogenic acid, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, Youngiaside A, Youngiaside B, and Youngiaside C which are isolated therefrom. The Youngia denticulata extract, a fraction thereof, or a compound isolated therefrom according to the present invention enhances activation of detoxifying enzymes in the liver, including quinone reductase(QR) of a marker enzyme for preventing cancer and an antioxidant response element(ARE) of an antioxidant responsive factor. The extract, fraction, or compound is not cytotoxic as well protects the liver from liver injury induced by ethanol or acetaminophen. Therefore, the composition according to the present invention can be useful in medicinal products and health foods for preventing cancer or improving liver function.