Protective Effect of LGG From <i>Lophatherum Gracile</i> Brongn. on Alcohol‐Injured HepG2 Cells and Exploration of Potential Mechanism

ABSTRACT The incidence and pathophysiology of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) pose a global health risk. Lophatherum gracile Brongn. ( L. gracile ) is a traditional Chinese herb showing conspicuous liver protective effects in previous studies. However, the main bioactive components of L. gracile and their underlying protective mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects and potential mechanisms of luteolin‐6‐C‐β‐D‐galactopyranosiduronic acid (1 → 2)‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (LGG), a primary phenolic compound of L. gracile . The results showed that 100 μg/mL of LGG increased the viability of alcohol‐damaged HepG2 cells by 18.06%, significantly reduced oxidative stress markers (ROS and MDA), and restored intracellular antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, CAT, and GSH). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the affected genes were primarily associated with cell cycle regulation, autophagy, and AMPK signaling pathways. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that LGG may ameliorate alcohol‐induced oxidative damage by regulating the cell cycle. This study provides a theoretical basis for the research of L. gracile and LGG, as well as their potential applications in functional foods.