Objective: To study the protective effect of Lagotidis Herba on alpha-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT) induced acute liver injury in mice

and investigate its mechanism of action. Method: The acute liver injury models were induced by intragastric administration of ANIT(100 mg·kg-1). All groups were administered for 7 d

their serum and liver were collected 1 h after the last administration to detect the levels of Alanine transaminase (ALT)

aspartate transaminase (AST)

total bile acid (TBA)

total bilirubin (TBIL) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum

the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD)

malonic dialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in liver homogenate

and the expression levels of TNF-α mRNA in liver tissues. The pathological changes of the liver tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Result: As compared with model group

various doses of Lagotidis Herba(1.0

2.0 and 4.0 g·kg-1) significantly decreased the levels of ALT

AST

TBIL and TNF-α in blood serum and the activity of MDA in liver homogenate

improved the activity of GSH-Px in liver homogenate

2.0

4.0 g·kg-1 Lagotidis Herba significantly decreased the level of TBA in blood serum

improved the activity of SOD in liver homogenate (P<0.01). As compared with model group

the contents of TBA and SOD of Lagotidis Herba(1.0 g·kg-1) had no statistical difference in 4.0 g·kg-1 Lagotidis Herba group. All doses of Lagotidis Herba significantly decreased the relative expression level of TNF-α mRNA in liver tissue (P<0.01). Furthermore

Lagotidis Herba (2.0

4.0 g·kg-1) could ameliorate the hepatic pathological changes. Conclusion: Lagotidis Herba has protective effects on acute hepatic injury induced by ANIT in mice.