Abstract: AIM: To explore the protective effect of lycopene on acute hepatic injury in mice caused by tripterygium glycosides. METHODS: 40 mice were divided into 4 groups randomly: control group,model group, lycopene high dose group(20 mg/kg) and lycopene low dose group(10 mg/kg).The rat models of hepatic injury were established by twentyfold(270 mg/kg) after 6 d prophylactic administration. ALT and AST activities in serum, SOD and MDA contents in liver and histopathological examination were detected to study the hepatoprotective effect of lycopene. RESULTS: Lycopene showed significant protection against the hepatotoxic actions of tripterygium glycosides,markedly alleviated AST and ALT levels in serum, enhanced SOD content,reduced MDA content in liver,and reduced hydropic degeneration. CONCLUSION: Lycopene has protective effects on hepatic injury induced by tripterygium glycosides in mice.

Key words: Lycopene, Tripterygium glycosides, Hepatic injury, Protective effect