STUDIES ON THE PREVENTIVE AND THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF URSOLIC ACID (UA) ON ACUTE HEPATIC INJURY IN RATS

The preparation of Sambucus chinesis Lindl was found to have therapeutic effects on patients with acute hepatitis, UA is a components isolated from this plant. The results of the present investigation indicate that acute liver injury induced by CCl₄ in rats could be prevented by UA. It was found that the SGPT and liver triglyceride levels were decreased, serum β-lipoprotein and liver glycogen contents were increased. The degeneration and necrosis of the liver cells were less severe in UA treated than in the controls. It appears, therefore, that UA is the main active constituent of Sambucus chinesis Lindl for the prevention of hepatic injury in rats.