Objective: To explore the hepatoprotective effects and the possible mechanism of 50% ethanol elute of Phlomis younghunsbandii by macroporous adsorptive resins (EPY-50) on CCl4-induced acute liver injury rats. Method: Sixty Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group

model group

bifendate group (bifendate dropping pill

100 mg · kg-1) and EPY-50 high-dose

medium-dose and low-dose (400

200

50 mg · kg-1) groups

continuous for 4 days by gavage. The rats in normal group and model group were given with distilled water. 1 hour after administration on day 3

rats were ip injected with 15% CCl4 olive oil;rats in normal group were ip injected with with olive oil

After contamination for 2 h and 22 h

all groups were administered again and blood was taken from orbital vein at 1 h after the last administration. The levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

malondialdehyde (MDA)

and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected

then the rats were sacrificed for and livers were taken. The liver index and MDA

SOD

and glutathione reductase (GSH) levels in the liver tissues;in addition

histopathological examination was also done for the livers. Result: Compared with the normal group

serum AST and ALT levels were significantly elevated in model group (P<0.01)

MDA levels were significantly increased (P<0.05)

SOD and GSH levels were statistically reduced in the liver tissues (P<0.05)

the liver index was significantly increased (P<0.01)

indicating that the model of CCl4 injection was successful. Compared with the model group

EPY-50 with high-dose

and medium-dose (400

200 mg · kg-1) could significantly decrease the levels of AST

ALT (P<0.01

P<0.01)

significantly decrease MDA level

increase the SOD and GSH levels

reduce liver index and improve pathological state of the liver tissues. Conclusion: EPY-50 has hepatoprotective effects on CCl4-induced acute liver injury

and the mechanism may be associated with its antioxidative activity.