The Protective Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription, Han-Dan-Gan-Le, on CCl₄-induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats

Abstract

Han-Dan-Gan-Le, a Chinese medicine preparation composed of Salvia miltorrhiza, Radix paeoniae, Astragalus membranaceus, Stephania tetrandra, and dried leaves of Ginkgo biloba, has been used successfully to treat human liver fibrosis and cirrhosis for years. This study was designed to examine the mechanisms of the protection. Male Wistar rats were given CCl4 (1.2 ml/kg, 2 times/week), 20% fat diet, and 30% alcohol in drinking water (every other day) for 6 weeks. Han-Dan-Gan-Le (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg, p.o., daily for 6 weeks) was administered to rats simultaneously to examine the protective effects against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. The experimentally-induced liver fibrosis and other morphological alterations were significantly ameliorated by Han-Dan-Gan-Le. Han-Dan-Gan-Le treatments decreased CCl4-induced hepatic collagen accumulation by more than 50%, and significantly increased urinary excretion of hydroxyproline. The CCl4-induced lipid peroxidation in liver and serum was ameliorated as a result of Han-Dan-Gan-Le treatment, possibly by restoring the activity of superoxide dismutase activity in liver and erythrocytes, In conclusion, Han-Dan-Gan-Le is effective in protecting against liver fibrosis. The mechanisms of the protection appear to be due to its antioxidant properties and the modulation of hepatic collagen metabolism.

Chinese medicines as a resource for liver fibrosis treatment

“…Xiao Chaihu Tang [76,83,85] whose active components baicalin and baicalein function as a potent fibrosis suppressant via the inhibition of the oxidative stress in hepatocyte and HSC. Handan Ganle [99] is effective in protecting against liver fibrosis by inhibiting lipid peroxidation in hepatocytes and HSC in vivo .…”

“…Experimental and clinical studies show that Handan Ganle is effective [99-102]. Fuzheng Huayu , another modern formula, has also been intensively studied [104-107].…”

A critical review: traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Stephania tetrandra S. Moore (Fen Fang Ji)

“…Han-Dan-Gan-Le is a Chinese medicinal preparation which comprising Salvia miltorrhiza, Radix paeoniae, Astragalus membranaceus, S. tetrandra and the dried leaves of Ginkgo biloba. Han-Dan-Gan-Le (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg, administered orally) has been used for many years to successfully treat fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver (Li et al 1998). The decoction of Fang-Ji-Di-Huang (administered orally) which comprising Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaetn.)…”

Discovering Natural Product Modulators to Overcome Multidrug Resistance in Cancer Chemotherapy

“…In addition to those listed in Table 1, many more herbal extracts or traditional Chinese medicines also have great potential to be developed into potent chemosensitizers, since they appear to be biologically active. For instance, traditional herbal medicines are known to have a therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis [89], diabetic nephropathy [90, 91], liver fibrosis and cirrhosis [92–94], heart disease [95, 96] and many other medical conditions. Further effort must be invested in discovering more active compounds from these natural sources.…”