Objective: To investigate the protective effects of Cassia nomame against acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4) and ethanol in mice. Method: Sixty mice were randomly divided into six groups:the control group

the model group

the high-

medium-

low-dose C. nomame groups (0.9

0.6

0.3 g · kg-1)

and the bifendate group (0.15 g · kg-1). The mouse models of acute liver injury were established by CCl4 and ethanol. After intragastrical administration of the corresponding medicines once daily for 3 days

the effects on serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

the liver index

the contents of malonaldehyde (MDA)

the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD)

the levels of glutathione (GSH) in liver tissues were measured. The protective effects on liver tissues were evaluated by using microscopic examination of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Result: Compared with the normal group

the levels of ALT

AST

MDA and the liver index increased

levels of SOD and GSH decreased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with model group

the levels of ALT

AST

MDA and the liver index decreased

levels of SOD and GSH increased in the C. nomame groups (P<0.05). Moreover

the alleviated pathological changes in liver tissues were observed in the C. nomame groups. Conclusion: C. nomame showed a protective effect against acute liver injury induced by CCl4 and ethanol in mice.