Hepatoprotective effects of Chai-Hu-Ching-Kan-Tang on acetaminophen-Induced acute liver injury in rats
Journal
American Journal of Chinese Medicine
Journal Volume
35
Journal Volume
35
Journal Issue
1
Journal Issue
1
Pages
69-79
Start Page
69
End Page
79
ISSN
0192415X
Date Issued
2007
Author(s)
Abstract
Chai-Hu-Ching-Kan-Tang (CHCKT) is one of the traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions commonly used to treat liver diseases. In this study, we evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of aqueous CHCKT extract at various concentrations (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) on acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury in rats. Results showed that CHCKT treatments significantly decreased the level of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (sGOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (sGPT) in APAP-treated groups. CHCKT also significantly decreased the level of lipid peroxides and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (i.e. SOD and GPx). Histopathological observation further confirmed the hepatoprotective activity of CHCKT as indicated by the amelioration in the central necrosis and fatty changes of the liver after APAP induction. Interestingly, the hepatoprotective activity of CHCKT at concentrations 125~500 mg/kg appeared to be as good as 12.5 mg/ kg silymarin (a commercial hepatoprotective agent). Taken together, these results suggest that aqueous extract of CHCKT possesses potent hepatoprotective effects agianst APAP-induced liver injury in rats.
Subjects
Acetaminophen
Antioxidant
Chai-Hu-Ching-Kan-Tang
Hepatoprotective
Type
journal article