Abstract: AIM: To study the protection of Potentilla anserina on ethanol-induced liver damage in mice. METHODS: 50 mice were divided into 5 groups in random, and administered by gavage for 4 weeks. Potentilla anserina was given twice a day, ethanol once a day. When time limit arrived, mice were weighted, serum was afforded to detect liver function index, liver homogenate were prepared for biochemical detections, liver remained were fixed for pathological investigation.RESULTS: When mice damaged by ethanol, liver index, liver function index, contents of TG, TC, MDA and LPO increased distinctly(P<0.05), activities of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT decreased at the same time(P<0.05). Inflammatory infiltration and flat vacuoles were observed. Potentilla anserina ameliorated these changes evidently; the effects were dose-dependent. CONCLUSION: Protective effects of Potentilla anserina on ethanol-induced liver damage in mice were associated with antioxidation, enhancement of clearance of free radicals and metabolites, and inhibition of lipid overoxidation reactions.

Key words: Potentilla anserina, ethanol-induced liver damage, liver function, lipid overoxidation reactions, free radical