Jpn. J. Pharmacol. 76 (3), 271-277 (1998)


Treatment With Bovine Gallstones Exacerbates Liver Damage, but Enhances Hepatoprotection by Bear Gall Powder in Carbon Tetrachloride-Intoxicated Rats

Toshiaki Nakashima, Ninko Matsumoto and Kei Kashima


Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602, Japan


Abstract: The interactions between bovine gallstones (Goou) and bear gall powder (Yutan) in decreases in serum transaminase levels were investigated in rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The p.o. administration of Goou significantly increased both serum transaminase levels and hepatic lipid peroxidation following i.p. administration of CCl4. Concomitant administration of both Goou and Yutan resulted in decreases of serum transaminase levels and hepatic lipid peroxidation, which were more remarkable than with administration of Yutan alone. Goou significantly increased the estimated hepatic blood flow in the indocyanine green clearance test and enhanced the delivery of CCl4 to the liver from the peritoneal cavity. These findings suggest that Goou exacerbates CCl4-induced hepatic damage because of the accelerated delivery of CCl4 to the liver and that Goou might have a hemodynamic drug interaction with Yutan in the liver, possibly enhancing the hepatoprotective effect of Yutan.


Keywords: Animal crude drug, Bovine gallstone, Bear gall powder, Carbon tetrachloride, Liver


Copyright© The Japanese Pharmacological Society 1998

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