Chinese liquor combats liver disease, researchers say
( 2001-06-07 11:48 ) (8 )

There is evidence that Maotai, the most famous brand of Chinese liquor, is effective for combating hepatic fibrosis and hepatocirrhosis.

This was the conclusion of a four-year research project, said Tang Zhaoyou, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Tang, also director of an appraisal committee comprising nine experts in liver diseases, said that Maotai causes no liver diseases to its regular drinkers.

Medical examinations of 99 workers at the Maotai Liquor Plant in southwest China's Guizhou Province, who drink an average of 250 grams of Maotai per day, found no cases of hepatic fibrosis or hepatocirrhosis.

According to Tang, the liquor cause the liver to produce 22 times more metallothioneine than normal, which can prevent the formation of hepatic fibrosis.

At the same time, the metallothioneine and superoxide dismutase, another element in Maotai, can remove free radicals in human body and combat consenescence and tumors.

The distilling process of Maotai liquor takes five years. "It is a natural leavening product with various items of nutrition, such as proteins, vitamins and aminophenols," the expert said.

Research results also showed a low rate of gastric ulcers and digestive system diseases among Maotai drinkers.

Maotai made its reputation at an international exposition in 1915, and has become a popular alcohol drink for important occasions.