Effects of hyperbaric oxygen on the Nrf2 signaling pathway in secondary injury following traumatic brain injury.

We investigated the effects of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on the Nrf2 signaling pathway in secondary injury following traumatic brain injury, using a rat model. An improved Feeney freefall method was used to establish the rat traumatic brain injury model. Sixty rats were randomly divided into three groups: a sham surgery group, a traumatic brain injury group, and a group receiving hyperbaric oxygen treatment after traumatic brain injury. Neurological function scores were assessed at 12 and 24 h after injury. The expression levels of Nrf2, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) in the cortex surrounding the brain lesion were detected by western blotting 24 h after the injury. Additionally, the TUNEL method was used to detect apoptosis of nerve cells 24 h after traumatic injury and Nissl staining was used to detect the number of whole neurons. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment significantly increased the expression of nuclear Nrf2 protein (P < 0.05), HO-1, and NQO-1 in the brain tissues surrounding the lesion after a traumatic brain injury (P < 0.05) and also significantly reduced the number of apoptotic and injured nerve cells. The neurological function scores also improved with hyperbaric oxygen treatment (P < 0.05). Therefore, hyperbaric oxygen has a neuroprotective role in traumatic brain injury, which is mediated by up-regulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Presumed cytomegalovirus-associated retrobulbar optic neuritis in a patient after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

A case of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-associated bilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis (ON) following haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) is reported. Abrupt onset of bilateral decreased vision occurred in a 33-year-old man 7 months after haplo-HSCT. His cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) demonstrated pleocytosis with an absence of leukemic cells. CMV DNA was detected in his blood and CSF sample. Neither encephalopathy nor retinopathy was found in this patient. He was diagnosed with bilateral retrobulbar ON. Although he was given enough antiviral treatment against CMV and immunosuppression with high-dose methylprednisolone, the patient's vision showed no improvement, and he has almost total bilateral blindness. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of CMV-associated bilateral retrobulbar ON in allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Clinical herbal interactions with conventional drugs: from molecules to maladies.

Clinical studies and case reports have identified a number of herb-drug interactions potentiated by the concurrent use of herbal medicines with prescription drugs. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the mechanisms and clinical implications of such herb-drug interactions by reviewing published human studies. Both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic components may be involved in herbdrug interactions, although metabolic induction or inhibition is a common underlying mechanism for many herb-drug interactions. Drugs that have a high potential to interact with herbal medicines usually have a narrow therapeutic index, including warfarin, digoxin, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, amitriptyline, midazolam, indinavir, and irinotecan. Many of them are substrates of cytochrome P450s (CYPs) and/or P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Herbal medicines that are reported to interact with drugs include garlic (Allium sativum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), ginseng (Panax ginseng), and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). For example, garlic has been shown to increase the clotting time and international normalized ratio (INR) of warfarin, cause hypoglycaemia when taken with chlorpropamide, and reduce the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum concentration of saquinavir in humans. Similarly, case reports have demonstrated that ginkgo may potentiate bleeding when combined with warfarin or aspirin, increases blood pressure when combined with thiazide diuretics, and has even led to a coma when combined with trazodone, a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor used to treat depression. Furthermore, ginseng reduced the blood levels of warfarin and alcohol as well as induced mania if taken concomitantly with phenelzine, a non-selective and irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor used as an antidepressant and anxiolytic agent. Lastly, multiple herb-drug interactions have been identified with St. John's wort that involve significantly reduced AUC and blood concentrations of warfarin, digoxin, indinavir, theophylline, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, amitriptyline, midazolam, and phenprocoumon. The clinical consequence of herb-drug interactions varies, from being well-tolerated to moderate or serious adverse reactions, or possibly life-threatening events. Undoubtedly, the early and timely identification of herb-drug interactions is imperative to prevent potentially dangerous clinical outcomes. Further well-designed studies are warranted to address the mechanisms and clinical significance of important herb-drug interactions.

Proteomic identification of differentially expressed proteins in curcumin-treated MCF-7 cells.

Curcumin (CM), a well-known dietary pigment derived from Curcuma longa L., possess anticancer activities against a variety of tumors including human breast carcinoma. In combination with docetaxel, CM has been used in breast cancer management in the clinic. In order to explore the possible mechanism of anticancer activity of CM, in the present study, we aimed to identify proteins involved in the anticancer activity of CM in human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 using the two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE)-based proteomic analysis. MCF-7 cells were cultured at 37°C in an atmosphere of 5.0% CO(2). All the following experiments were repeated three times. Cell viability assay showed that after a 48-h incubation CM dose-dependently inhibited cell growth with an IC(50) value of 47.42 µM. Treatment of CM at 47.42 µM for 48 h induced apoptosis as determined by nuclear morphologic changes of Hoechst stained cells and flow cytometric analysis of Annexin V-FITC/PI stained cells. Proteomic analysis identified 12 differentially expressed proteins which contributed to multiple functional activities such as DNA transcription, mRNA splicing and translation, amino acid synthesis, protein synthesis, folding and degradation, lipid metabolism, glycolysis, and cell motility. Among them 7 proteins were up-regulated and 5 down-regulated. The up-regulated ones were verified by quantitative real-time PCR. The down-regulated proteins, TDP-43, SF2/ASF and eIF3i, as well as up-regulated ones, 3-PGDH, ERP29, and platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase IB subunit beta positively contribute to the anticancer activity of CM in MCF-7 cells. These molecules are implicated in the bioactivities of CM for the first time. The findings of this study would shed new insights for systematically understanding the mechanisms of CM in breast cancer intervention.

Laetispicine, an amide alkaloid from Piper laetispicum, presents antidepressant and antinociceptive effects in mice.

In the present work, we studied the effect of laetispicine, an amide alkaloid isolated from the stems of Piper laetispicum (Piperaceae), in forced swimming, open field, acetic acid writhing and formalin tests in KM mice to assess antidepressant and antinociceptive effects. A significant and dose-dependent decrease in the immobility time, as evaluated by the forced swimming test, was observed after laetispicine administration (38.18, 39.79, 58.77 and 67.28% decreased at the doses of 5, 10, 20, 40mg/kg, respectively), suggesting an antidepressant effect. Furthermore, in the open field test, laetispicine at the given doses did not alter the number of crossings and rearing, as compared to controls. Results from writhing and formalin tests showed that laetispicine reduced the number of writhing in mice in a dose-dependent manner, attenuated the licking and spiting time of the injected paw in the first phase of formalin test. The antinociceptive effect of laetispicine was not affected by pre-treatment (i.p.) with naloxone (2mg/kg). In conclusion, we showed that laetispicine possessed significant antidepressant and antinociceptive properties, making this drug potentially useful in depression and pain.

Evaluation of acute bis(7)-tacrine treatment on behavioral functions in 17-day-old and 30-day-old mice, with attention to drug toxicity.

Bis(7)-tacrine was evaluated for efficacy on memory retention in mice 17 days of age and 30 days of age. The tests used were a passive-avoidance response test and a measure of spontaneous motor activity. Also, possible drug-induced hepatotoxicity and acute drug toxicity were evaluated. Behavioral studies were performed using a step-through task and an open-field test with a 24-h interval between training and evaluation tests. Bis(7)-tacrine (0.06-20 micromol/kg) was subcutaneously injected 30 min prior to the first session of both test types. During the training session of the step-through task, bis(7)-tacrine treatment reduced (by 46%, P<0.01) the number of avoidable electric shocks (footshocks) only at a high dose of 20 micromol/kg in mice 17 days of age, but dose-dependently decreased the number of footshocks (10-56%, P<0.001) in mice 30 days of age. Bis(7)-tacrine treatment at all doses tested did not produce any detectable changes in retention latency in mice 17 days of age, but the drug significantly prolonged retention latency at low doses (1.25 and 2.50 micromol/kg), and not high doses (5-20 micromol/kg), in mice 30 days of age. In the open-field test, bis(7)-tacrine decreased spontaneous motor activity in the acquisition session only at a high dose of 20 micromol/kg in mice 17 days of age and 30 days of age (by 28 and 45%, respectively), but did not affect spontaneous motor activity in the recall session. Bis(7)-tacrine treatment at a dose of 20 micromol/kg produced a more potent hepatotoxic effect in mice 30 days of age than in mice 17 days of age, (P<0.05), and the drug caused acute toxicity with comparable potencies in mice of both age groups. In conclusion, mice 30 days of age seemed to be more sensitive than mice 17 days of age to bis(7)-tacrine-induced cognitive function enhancement and hepatotoxicity. Bis(7)-tacrine appears to be more potent and more selective as a cognitive function-enhancing agent than tacrine.

Evaluation of acute tacrine treatment on passive-avoidance response, open-field behavior, and toxicity in 17- and 30-day-old mice.

The potential of tacrine in altering cognitive/behavioral function as well as in causing toxicity was evaluated in mice of 17 and 30 days of age. Cognitive and behavioral studies were performed using a step-through passive avoidance task and a habituation open-field test with a 24-h retention interval. Tacrine was subcutaneously injected (1.25-80 micro mol/kg) 30 min prior to the first session of both tests. During the training session in step-through task, tacrine treatment dose-dependently decreased the number of footshocks, with IC(50) values being 7.8 and 23.3 micro mol/kg in 17- and 30-day-old mice, respectively. Treatment with tacrine at a low dose (5 micro mol/kg) significantly prolonged the retention latency in 17-day-old mice only, but it shortened the retention latency at high doses of 20 and 40 micro mol/kg in 17- and 30-day-old, respectively. During the acquisition session in the open-field test, tacrine treatment dose-dependently decreased the locomotor activity in 17- and 30-day-old mice, with IC(50) values being 15.1 and 24.7 micro mol/kg, respectively. High doses of tacrine invariably increased the locomotor activity during the recall session. Tacrine treatment at a dose of 40 micro mol/kg caused a significant increase in serum alanine aminotransferase activity in 17- and 30-day-old mice at 6 h post-dosing, with the extent of stimulation in 30-day-old mice being more prominent. In conclusion, tacrine was more potent in enhancing/disrupting the cognitive function, inhibiting locomotor activity as well as in causing hepatotoxicity in 17-day-old than in 30-day-old mice.

Pharmacological evaluation of several major ingredients of Chinese herbal medicines in human hepatoma Hep3B cells.

Long-dan-tan (Chinese name) is one of the most common herbal medicines used by Chinese people with chronic liver disease. Accumulated anecdotal evidence suggests that Long-dan-tan may show a beneficial effect in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Long-dan-tan is made from five plants: Gentiana root, Scutellaria root, Gardenia fruit, Alisma rhizome, and Bupleurum root. In this study, we have examined the cytotoxic effects of the five major ingredients isolated from the above plants, i.e. gentiopicroside, baicalein, geniposide, alisol B acetate and saikosaponin-d, respectively, on human hepatoma Hep3B cells. Annexin V immunofluorescence detection, DNA fragmentation assays and FACScan analysis of propidium iodide-staining cells showed that gentiopicroside, baicalein, and geniposide had little effect, whereas alisol B acetate and saikosaponin-d profoundly induced apoptosis in Hep3B cells. Alisol B acetate, but not saikosaponin-d, induced G2/M arrest of the cell cycle as well as a significant increase in caspase-3 activity. Interestingly, baicalein by itself induced an increase in H(2)O(2) generation and the subsequent NF-kappaB activation; furthermore, it effectively inhibited the transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1))-induced caspase-3 activation and cell apoptosis. We suggest that alisol B acetate and saikosaponin-d induced cell apoptosis through the caspase-3-dependent and -independent pathways, respectively. Instead of inducing apoptosis, baicalein inhibits TGF-beta(1)-induced apoptosis via increase in cellular H(2)O(2) formation and NF-kappaB activation in human hepatoma Hep3B cells.

Risk factors for male breast cancer in Canada, 1994-1998.

Relatively little attention has been paid to the aetiology of male breast cancer and the current understanding of female breast cancer, primarily related to reproductive events, cannot be readily transferred to understanding the cancer in males. However, since male breast cancer occurs in the absence of factors related to childbearing and menstruation, its aetiology may provide special insights into the causes of breast cancer in women. We examined lifestyle risk factors for male breast cancer as part of a Canadian, multi-site, population-based, case-control study. Eighty-one newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed cases and 1905 male controls aged 42-74 were analysed using unconditional logistic regression. Increased risks were found for men with a mother or sister with breast cancer (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.65, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.62-8.19). Higher physical activity levels (moderate, and strenuous recreational plus occupational) were associated with a decreased risk of male breast cancer (highest quartile, adjusted OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26-0.91). Similarly, higher risks were associated with higher weight 2 years before interview (2.19, 95% CI 1.08-4.43), maximum weight (OR 2.66) and higher body mass index (OR 1.60). Higher vegetable consumption and coffee consumption were associated with decreased risk, whereas higher beta-carotene, vitamin E and calcium supplementation were associated with statistically significant increased risk. The small number of cases and multiple comparisons preclude strong conclusions, but our study is consistent with studies suggesting obesity and family history increase risk, and physical activity decreases risk of breast cancer.

Schisandrin B protects against tacrine- and bis(7)-tacrine-induced hepatotoxicity and enhances cognitive function in mice.

Intragastric administration (100-200 micromol/kg) of tacrine (THA) or bis(7)-THA could cause an acute and dose-dependent increase in plasma alanine aminotransferases activity in mice at 6 h after the drug administration. The increase in plasma enzyme activity was associated with an increase in hepatic malondialdehyde level, an indirect index of oxidative tissue damage. Pretreating mice with schisandrin B (Sch B), an active dibenzocyclooctadiene derivative isolated from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis, at a daily dose of 0.125-0.5 mmol/kg for 3 days protected against the THA/bis(7)-THA induced hepatic oxidative damage in a dose-dependent manner. Sch B treatment (0.025-0.5 mmol/kg/day x 5) also enhanced the passive avoidance-response in mice as assessed by the step-through task experiment. The ensemble of results suggests that Sch B may be useful for reducing the potential hepatotoxicity of THA/bis(7)-THA in anti-Alzheimer's therapy.

[Effect of raw radish on pharmacological action of ginseng].

Ginseng decoction can increase the memory-improvement, weary-resistance, antihypoxia, sedation in mice, and increase the weight of spleen and accessory sexual gland, but reduce the weight of thymus. Raw radish can decrease these pharmacological effects in varying degrees, except the sedation.

Specific interactions with TBP and TFIIB in vitro suggest that 14-3-3 proteins may participate in the regulation of transcription when part of a DNA binding complex.

The 14-3-3 family of multifunctional proteins is highly conserved among animals, plants, and yeast. Several studies have shown that these proteins are associated with a G-box DNA binding complex and are present in the nucleus in several plant and animal species. In this study, 14-3-3 proteins are shown to bind the TATA box binding protein (TBP), transcription factor IIB (TFIIB), and the human TBP-associated factor hTAF(II)32 in vitro but not hTAF(II)55. The interactions with TBP and TFIIB were highly specific, requiring amino acid residues in the box 1 domain of the 14-3-3 protein. These interactions do not require formation of the 14-3-3 dimer and are not dependent on known 14-3-3 recognition motifs containing phosphoserine. The 14-3-3-TFIIB interaction appears to occur within the same domain of TFIIB that binds the human herpes simplex virus transcriptional activator VP16, because VP16 and 14-3-3 were able to compete for interaction with TFIIB in vitro. In a plant transient expression system, 14-3-3 was able to activate GAL4-dependent beta-glucuronidase reporter gene expression at low levels when translationally fused with the GAL4 DNA binding domain. The in vitro binding with general transcription factors TBP and TFIIB together with its nuclear location provide evidence supporting a role for 14-3-3 proteins as transcriptional activators or coactivators when part of a DNA binding complex.

Case report: Spontaneous isolated mesenteric fibromatosis presenting as megaduodenum.

A case of spontaneous isolated mesenteric fibromatosis presenting as megaduodenum is reported. The lesion was small, only 2 cm in its greatest diameter. However, because of its location near the ligament of Treitz and because of its characteristic infiltrative growth pattern, the tumour involved the distal duodenum and resulted in acute angulation and obstruction early in its course. We successfully resected the mass and the patient is in fair physical condition 6 months after operation.

Differential induction of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase by anti-carcinogenic organosulfides from garlic.

This study was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism of organ specificity and differential efficacy of garlic organosulfides (OSCs) [diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS), diallyl trisulfide (DATS), dipropyl sulfide (DPS) and dipropyl disulfide (DPDS)] in preventing benzo(a)pyrene (BP)-induced tumorigenesis in mice. The results of the present study reveal a good correlation between chemopreventive efficacies of garlic OSCs and their inductive effects on the expression of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO), an enzyme implicated in the detoxification of activated quinone metabolites of BP. Treatment of mice with DADS and DATS, which are potent inhibitors of BP-induced forestomach tumorigenesis, resulted in a statistically significant increase (2.4- and 1.5-fold, respectively) in forestomach NQO activity. In addition, DADS and DATS were much more potent inducers of forestomach NQO activity than DAS, which is a weak inhibitor of BP-induced forestomach tumorigenesis than the former compounds. Propyl-group containing OSCs (DPS and DPDS), which do not inhibit BP-induced tumorigenesis, did not affect forestomach NQO activity. Similar to forestomach, a good correlation was also observed between effects of these OSCs against BP-induced pulmonary tumorigenesis and their effects on NQO expression in the lung. For example, treatment of mice with DAS, which is a potent inhibitor of BP-induced pulmonary tumorigenesis, resulted in about 3.2-fold increase in pulmonary NQO activity. On the other hand, this activity was increased by about 1.5-fold upon DATS administration, which does not inhibit BP-induced cancer of the lung. In conclusion, our results suggest that induction of NQO may be important in anti-cancer effects of garlic OSCs.

Belladonna alkaloids-induced behavioral changes and amnesia on open-field and step-through in 18-, 28-, and 38-day-old mice.

AIM: To study the age-related changes of atropine (Atr), scopolamine (Sco), anisodine (AT3), and anisodamine (Ani) on behaviors and memories. METHODS: The behaviors and memories were measured with open-field test and step-through task. M-cholinergic receptors were determined by [3H] quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H] QNB). RESULTS: During acquisition session (d 1) the 18-, 28-, and 38-d-old mice pretreated with Atr, Sco, and AT3 (0.02, 0.2, 2, or 20 mg.kg-1, i.p.) in open-field test showed increase in walking counts by 26%-42%, but decrease in rearing, grooming, and defecating counts for 50%-92%, 67%-100%, and 75%-100%, respectively. On recall session (d 2) the walking and rearing behaviors in the 18- and 28-d-old mice receiving Atr, Sco, and AT3 on d 1 were higher than those in the mice receiving saline. But a lower grooming behavior on d 2 was found in the mice receiving the drugs on d 1. On d 1 Ani 20 mg.kg-1 reduced the rearing behavior by 50% in 18-d-old mice and defecation by 33%-36% in 18- and 28-d-old mice. All the 4 belladonna alkaloids increased the number of avoidance-response errors and decreased the retention latencies in step-through task. Bmax of [3H] QNB binding sites in frontal cortex and hippocampus regions in the 38-d-old mice increased 7% and 23% vs in the mice of 18 d of age, respectively. CONCLUSION: 1) The effects of the belladonna alkaloids on behaviors and memories in adult mice were weaker than those in young mice. 2) The belladonna alkaloids-induced amnesia on passive avoidance-response in step-through was more sensitive than behavioral changes and amnesia on open-field. 3) According to the lowest effective doses which insulted the behaviors or memories in young mice, Sco was about 10, 100, and 1000 times more potent than Atr, AT3, and Ani, respectively.

Studies on human fetal lens crystallins under oxidative stress and protective effects of tea polyphenols.

PURPOSE: To investigate the oxidative modification of water-soluble crystallins of human fetal lens with H2O2 and fourteen metal ions with or without EDTA. Tea-polyphenols (TP) was added to above solutions in order to testing their antioxidative abilities. METHODS: The experiments were performed at 37 degrees C with final concentration of 2.5 mg/ml protein, 0.1 mM metal ions, 0.3 mM EDTA and 1.0 mM H2O2. Then the TP was added to the solution with CuSO4 and H2O2, after 5 or 24 hours, the crystallins were analysed with SDS-PAGE and IEF. RESULTS: There were marked oxidative modifications of lens protein in H2O2 and copper without EDTA. In SDS-PAGE patterns, we found an increase in those species above of bands higher than 30 kD and some diffuse bands from 30 to 17 kD after 5 hours. In IEF patterns, there were a general increase on acidity with loss of the more basic species. When the TP was added, there was not any difference with control group. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that exposure of water-soluble protein to H2O2 and copper leads to covalent crosslinking and cleavage of polypeptides. After 24 hours, the development of the oxidative modifications of crystallins continues, comparison with the catalytic strength, copper ions stronger than the iron ions. On other hand, this work reported that the anti-oxidative action of TP is strong.

[Cultivation of Polygonum multiforum].

The experiments of some cultivated medthods of Polygonum multiforum show that the direct sowing of seeds is better than the cuttage, the index of reproduction and yield are higher, and the cultivated method can decrease expense. To cultivation period of 5 years, high yield and excellent qualty is available.

Primary linitis plastica carcinoma of the colon: a case report.

Primary linitis plastica carcinoma of the colon is rare. Most lesions are located on the left side of the colon and these tumors often involve the lymph nodes, peritoneum, and ovaries. We report a case of primary linitis plastica of the sigmoid colon in a 32-year-old Chinese woman who presented with a 7-month history of constipation and associated abdominal pain and tenesmus. Colonoscopy and barium-enema studies showed a stricture at the sigmoid colon. The patient underwent radical surgical resection and received adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy. She died 12 months after the initial diagnosis. The poor prognosis seen with this tumor is due largely to a delay in diagnosis. With increasing familiarity with this tumor, it is hoped that earlier diagnosis and curative surgery will be possible, leading to improvement in survival.

[Study of the antioxidative effect of tea polyphenol and allitridi on cultured rat lens in vitro].

PURPOSE: To investigate the oxidative modification of lens proteins in the presence of H2O2 in vitro and the protective effect of tea polyphenol(TP) and allitridi. METHODS: Rat lenses were cultured in DMEM medium containing H2O2(1mM) at 37 degrees C in CO2 incubator. Iron and copper salts were added to the medium. At 24 or 48 hours, photographs were recorded the changes in transparency of rat lens and lens proteins were analysed by SDS-PAGE and IEF. TP and allitridi were added to the medium with lens in order to test the antioxidant effects. RESULTS: Lens opacities occurred at the equatorial region by 24 hours, progressing to totally opaque by 48 hours. SDS-PAGE revealed new bands higher than 43KD were found. In addition the 30KD band disappeared in medium containing copper salt. With addition of TP or allitridi to the culture system, all lens remained transparent. CONCLUSION: Exposure rat lens to H2O2 with iron or copper salt resulted in opacification of lens with crosslinking of crystallins and degradation of lens polypeptides. Addition of TP or allitridi prevented the lens from oxidative stress.

The protective effect of Alstonia scholaris R. Br. on hepatotoxin-induced acute liver damage.

The hepatoprotective effect of Alstonia scholaris R. Br. on liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). beta-D-galactosamine, acetaminophen and ethanol were investigated by means of serum-biochemical and histopathological examinations. Post treatment of A scholaris reduced dose-dependently the elevation of serum transaminases level and histopathological changes such as cell necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, which were caused by the single administration of 32 microliters/kg CCl4 or 600 mg/kg acetaminophen in mice. A. scholaris significantly lowered 288 mg/kg beta-D-galactosamine induced serum transaminases elevation in the serum-biochemical analysis in rats. A tendency was also shown to inhibit cell necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration caused by beta-D-galactosamine in histopathological examination. All serological and histopathological effects of A. scholaris were compared with those of Bupleurum chinense, which has been reported previously as a treatment criteria of hepatitis.