Effects of Gandujuan decoction on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

Objective: To observe the protective and curative effects of Gandujuan decoction on acute liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl 4) in rats.Methods:Fourty-eight rats were randomly divided into six groups: control group, model group, bifendate group, and high, moderate and low doses of Gandujuan decoction groups. Except control group, liver injury of rats in other groups was induced by CCl 4 and the rats were simultaneously treated by bifendate, and three different doses of Gandujuan decoction for 14 days, respectively. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and liver pathological changes were detected. Results: ALT and AST levels were significantly lower in Gandujuan decoction groups than those in model group (P0.001), especially in high dose of Gandujuan decoction group. Compared with model group, no obvious changes of liver morphology, and less fatty degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in Gandujuan decoction group. Conclusion: Gandujuan decoction treatment can remarkably reduce serum levels of ALT and AST, and provide protective effects on hepatic damage caused by CCl 4 in rats.