Hepatoprotective Effect of a Hot-Water Extract from the Edible Thorny OysterSpondylus variuson Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

Abstract
The edible thorny oyster, Spondylus varius (Mizuiri-shoujou), was found to suppress the carbon tetrachloride-induced increase in serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities in mice. Significant suppressive effects on these enzyme activities were found in the fraction eluted with 75% ethanol from polystyrene gel in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that S. varius exerts a protective effect against liver injury.