Effects of Flos Puerariae-Semen Hoveniae Compatibility on Liver Function and Pathologic Morphology in Rats with Alcoholic Liver Disease

OBJECTIVE To explore the de-alcoholic and hepatoprotective function of Flos puerariae-Semen hoveniae (2∶1) compatibility and determine the optimal dosage regimen. METHODS Chronic alcoholic liver injury animal models were established by gavages of 56° Red Star Erguotou in rats. Experimental animals were given different doses (3， 6， 12 g/kg) of Flos puerariae-Semen hoveniae (2∶1) extracts within different medication courses (4， 8， 12 weeks). The liver index， ALT， AST， TP， ALB and ALP in serum were detected. The liver pathological morphologies were also observed. RESULTS Chronic alcoholic liver injury models were successfully replicated. Flos puerariae-Semen hoveniae (2∶1) compatibility group of each dose displayed no therapeutic effect within four weeks. The level of ALT in Flos puerariae-Semen hoveniae (2∶1) compatibility group of each dose significantly decreased (P<0.05~0.01) after eight weeks administration. After 12 weeks， Flos puerariae-Semen hoveniae (2∶1) compatibility groups showed significantly decreased AST and increased ALB (P<0.05). Low and high dose groups displayed reduced ALT (P<0.05) while the low dose group showed increased TP (P<0.01). The changes in liver pathological morphology were fairly consistent with relevant indicators of liver function. CONCLUSION Flos puerariae-Semen hoveniae (2∶1) compatibility group of each dose shows promising de-alcoholic and hepatoprotective effects after eight weeks of administration. The relevant indicators of liver function improve to varying degrees as the therapy time prolongs. Among them， low dose group performs better than medium and high dose groups.