Protective effect of <i>Acanthus ilicifolius</i> extracts against acute alcoholic liver injury via suppressing TLR ₄ /NF-κB signal pathway and modulating intestinal microbiota in mice

Excessive alcohol consumption is leading to increased rates of liver injury and disease. A new research strategy focuses on manipulating gut microbiota to lessen alcohol-induced harm. This study examined the hepatoprotective effects of extracts from <i>Acanthus ilicifolius</i> (EAI) on acute alcoholic liver injury by inhibiting the TLR₄/NF-κB signalling pathway and modulating intestinal microbiota in mice. The results showed that EAI dose-dependently reduced alcohol-induced elevations of AST, ALT, and ALP levels. EAI showed significant inhibitory effects on the expressions of TLR₄, NF-κB, and pNF-κB proteins. Furthermore, EAI caused a notable reduction in hepatic levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Supplementation with EAI could ameliorate alcohol-induced dysbiosis of intestinal bacteria. The levels of ALT, AST, and ALP levels were negatively correlated with <i>Ligilactobacillus</i>, <i>Lactobacillus</i>, and <i>Alistipes</i>, but positively correlated with <i>Helicobacter</i> and <i>Bacteroides</i>. Overall, EAI alleviated alcoholic liver injury in mice by inhibiting the TLR₄/NF-κB signalling pathway and modulating intestinal bacteria.