Abstract:

AIM: To explore the effect and mechanism of acute liver injury induced by volatile oils from artemislae argyi folium in mice. METHODS: Volatile oil from folium artemislae argyi was obtained through hydro-distillation extraction.52 SPF ICR mice (half male and half female) were randomized into five groups,i.e. control group, carbon tetrachloride group, different doses (1.9 g/kg, 2.3 g/kg and 2.7 g/kg) of volatile oils from folium artemislae argyi groups. Biological samples were obtained 6 hours after gavaging equal volume drugs or solvents to mice at a single dose. Alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin (TB) in serum were detected. Morphologic changes of hepatic tissues were observed and analyzed by Ridit. Superoxide anion free radical, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione(GSSG) of hepatic tissues were examined. RESULTS: Compared to those of control group, ALT, ALP, MDA,GSSG, scores of Ridit and superoxide anion free radical of all volatile oil groups increased (P＜0.05), while SOD and GSH decreased (P＜0.05). Damage of hepatic tissues, such as degeneration, necrosis were observed in the poisoned groups. CONCLUSION:The acute liver injury induced by volatile oil from folium artemislae argyi might directly or indirectly relate to hepatic cells, and the mechanism may be related to oxidative stress.

Key words: volatile oils from folium artemislae argyi, mice, acute liver injury, oxidative stress