Comparative Biofunctionality: Liver of Animals and plant's chloroplasts

Introduction: The Intersection of 8-Chaezeel Medicine and Plant Physiology

8-Chaezeel medicine classifies human constitutions based on the balance of energy flow among internal organs and proposes optimized health management strategies for each type. In particular, constitutions with relatively weak liver functions—such as the Taeyang types (Geumyang and Geumeum types)—tend to be vulnerable to detoxification and immune deficiencies, as well as metabolic imbalances.

For such individuals, leafy vegetables rich in chloroplasts are recommended as part of dietary therapy.This article examines the intersection between 8-Chaezeel medicine and plant physiology, focusing on the physiological similarities between the chloroplast functions of leafy vegetables and liver functions in animals.



Detoxification and Metabolic Functions of Chloroplasts

In addition to photosynthesis, plant chloroplasts regulate nitrogen metabolism through nitrate reduction and amino acid biosynthesis. This process converts toxic inorganic nitrogen forms into bioavailable organic nitrogen forms, which is structurally similar to how the animal liver neutralizes harmful substances and converts them into metabolic products.

Plastids in plants also serve as central organelles for enzymatic reactions related to nitrogen metabolism. However, since they are mainly distributed in other parts such as roots, they will not be discussed here.


Comparison with Human Liver

FunctionsConstitutional types with weak liver and strong lung functions—such as the Taeyang types (Geumyang and Geumeum types)—may exhibit hypersensitivity to external stimuli due to low internal detoxification capacity (e.g., atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, respiratory allergies), making them vulnerable to inflammation. There is also a potential risk of liver-related metabolic syndromes.In 8-Chaezeel medicine, dietary recommendations for these types include reducing meat intake and emphasizing leafy vegetables. This allows for an analogical interpretation between the theory of 8-Chaezeel medicine and the physiological structure of plants.

High meat consumption increases the likelihood that nitrogen compounds absorbed during digestion act as toxins. For Taeyang types with diminished liver function, processing these toxins becomes a relatively greater issue than in other constitutions.

Leafy vegetables have already processed toxic ammonia through chloroplast activity, converting it into organic nitrogen compounds such as amino acids that are manageable within the body.

Since different plants produce different types of amino acids and compounds, it is necessary to identify the major organic compounds produced by each plant. By appropriately combining these essential amino acids, it is possible to utilize sufficient organic nitrogen compounds while avoiding toxicity issues that may arise from the digestion and absorption of meat.


Extensive Use and Additional Benefits of Leafy Vegetables

Fermented foods, detoxified in various ways and nutritionally balanced—such as types of kimchi, seasoned vegetables, and fresh salads—can be incorporated into the diet to construct a plant-based diet suitable for a broad population.

While meat remains an important and meaningful dietary component, mass livestock farming has become a social issue due to its impact on global warming, pollution, mass culling for disease control, zoonotic epidemics, and inhumane treatment of animals.

Furthermore, as populous nations like China and India increase meat consumption due to rising economic power, a global shift toward meat-heavy diets without regard to constitutional or environmental conditions may accelerate planetary crises.

Offering an alternative concept for cultures that prioritize meat to intake nitrogen compounds such as protein—and guiding new populous nations away from excessive meat consumption—may contribute to global sustainability.


Conclusion

The metabolic and detoxification functions of chloroplasts in leafy vegetables may be physiologically suitable as a supplement for individuals with weak liver function. This highlights the potential of 8-Chaezeel medicine to be biologically supported in its dietary recommendations.


References

♡ Joo Seokwon, 8-Chaezeel Medicine, Kyobo Bookstore, recently published.

♡ Lee Kyungjoon, Tree Physiology, Seoul National University Press.