Abstract: AIM: To observe the effect of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on hepatic fibrosis in rats.METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into six groups, including normal group, liver fibrosis model group, PNS (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) treated groups and Col (0.1 mg/kg) group. Rat liver fibrosis was induced by subcutaneous injection 50% carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) twice a week for 18 weeks. PNS were used daily via lavage at 9th week for subsequent 10 weeks. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) were determinate by chromatometry. Moreover, liver samples were taken to examine the degree of liver fibrosis by HE staining and to stain by immunochemistry of Collagen I. Collagen I mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR.RESULTS: As compared with the fibrotic model group, PNS (100, 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced histopathological change, degraded MDA contents, raised the levels of SOD and GSH. Meanwhile, PNS could effectively decrease the expression of Collagen I in liver fibrosis rats.CONCLUSION: PNS has protective effect on hepatic fibrosis in rats.

Key words: Panax notoginseng saponins, Liver fibrosis, Lipid peroxidation, Rat