Potential of Cistanche tubulosa extract in attenuating acute alcoholic liver injury via modulation of oxidative stress and lipid metabolism

To further explore how Cistanche tubulosa extract (CE) alleviates alcoholic liver disease, this study examines its action through metabolic pathways beyond the established Nrf2 mechanism. Bioactive compounds in CE were first analyzed and identified using UHPLC-MS/MS. Next, an acute alcohol injury model was established, and the degree of liver injury alleviation was assessed by measuring serum biochemical indicators. Untargeted metabolomics and transcriptomics were then used to analyze the relationship between metabolites and genes, with final validation conducted through qPCR. The results showed that pretreatment with CE significantly alleviated changes in ALT, AST, TC, TG, MDA, CAT, GSH, SOD, IL-6, IL-1 β , and TNF- α caused by alcohol. Multi-omics analysis revealed that CE exerts a hepatoprotective effect by regulating amino acid metabolism pathways, particularly through upregulating GOT1 expression. CE shows potential as a functional food ingredient for protecting the liver from alcohol-induced injury. • CE ameliorates acute alcohol-induced liver injury by attenuating oxidative stress. • CE improves lipid metabolism and suppresses inflammation. • CE protects against alcohol-induced liver injury by regulating amino acid metabolism. • CE upregulates hepatic GOT1 expression.