EFFECT OF BAICALIN-COPPER COMPLEX AGAINST CARBON TETRACHLORIDE-INDUCED HEPATIC INJURY IN MICE

Baicalin is the major active constituent of medicinal herb Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, which contains abundant trace elements, such as copper, zinc, et al.. Our previous study found that baicalin-copper complex (BA-Cu) was easily synthesized and showed efficient antimicrobial and anti-tumor activities. Hence, we presumed that BA-Cu should exist in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. The present study examined the effect of baicalin-copper complex on CCl 4-induced hepatic injury. Mice were treated intraperitoneally with CCl4 after intramuscular injection with BA-Cu (50, 100 mg/kg, respectively). CCl4 administration increased serum aminotransferases, liver index, and decreased superoxide dismutase. These changes were altered by preadministration of the mice with BA-Cu. The CCl4-induced pathological conditions, including hepatic cord degeneration and inflammatory infiltration, were significantly attenuated by BA-Cu. Besides, we investigated the contents of copper in the liver by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. These findings suggest that BA -Cu has potent hepatoprotective effect on CCl 4-induced hepatic injury in mice.