Scutellaria baicalensis inhibits liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation or carbon tetrachloride in rats

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the antifibrotic effects of methanol extracts from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb, the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, on liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation and scission (BDL) or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Liver fibrosis was assessed by histological observations and by measuring levels of liver hydroxy-proline, lipid peroxidation based on malondialdehyde (MDA) production, and serum enzyme activities. The morphological characteristics of liver tissue were examined by Masson's trichrome staining and immunostaining against smooth muscle cell α-actin. In both models, the levels of hydroxyproline and MDA in liver were significantly increased. Treatment with a methanol extract of S. baicalensis significantly reduced the levels of liver hydroxyproline and MDA, with improved histological findings. In both models, the liver areas positive for smooth muscle cell α-actin were considerably decreased by treatment with oral methanol extract of S. baicalensis (150 mg kg−1 daily for 28 days). A methanol extract of S. baicalensis root inhibits fibrosis and lipid peroxidation in rat liver induced by BDL or CCl4.