Analysis of the effect of Qizhuyigan on liver function in a mouse model of immunological liver injury

Purpose: To assess the protective effect of Qizhuyigan capsules containing an herbal mixture on liver function in a mouse model of immunological liver injury and to explore the mechanism of action.
Methods: One hundred and twenty mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, test, bifendate, and Qizhuyigan. Immunological liver injury was induced in all groups except the control group. Mice in the control group and the test group were gavaged with 2.5 g/kg tap water, mice in the bifendate group were gavaged with 12 mg/kg bifendate in water, and mice in the Qizhuyigan group were gavaged with 1,000 mg/kg of an aqueous solution containing the contents of a Qizhuyigan capsule. The gavage continued for 10 days. Changes in liver function-related indices, such as the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), malonaldehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), were assessed.
Results: Compared with the test and bifendate groups, the Qizhuyigan group exhibited lower serum ALT (98.3 U/L ± 8.7 U/L vs. 224.7 U/L ± 18.4 U/L vs. 132.8 U/L ± 9.4 U/L); AST (165.5 U/L ± 12.1 U/L vs. 362.6 U/L ± 16.6 U/L vs. 224.6 U/L ± 12.2 U/L); and MDA levels (12.7 ± 2 μmol/L vs. 31.3 ± 6.60 μmol/L vs. 14.4 ± 2.3 μmol/L); a higher SOD level; and reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels. The differences of the above indices had statistical significance (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Qizhuyigan exerted a protective effect in a mouse model of immunological liver injury.