Effect of Qinggan Extract on the levels of cytokines of experimental liver injury models

Objective To study the effect of Qinggan Extract on the levels of cytokines of experimental liver injury models.Method The acute liver injury model was established by using D-galactosamine. The immunological liver injury model was established by using BCG and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and cytokines were determined.Results Qinggan Extract could decrease ALT and AST level in both of the liver injury models, and could also decrease TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-8 levels in rats with D-galactosamine induced liver injury and TNF-α and IL-18 levels in mice with immunological liver injury.Conclusion Qinggan Extract has certain protective effect on experimental liver injury models. The mechanism perhaps is related to the reduction of cytokines.