Hepatoprotection by "dangqui-long-hwei-wan" in male mice.

Dangqui-long-hwei-wan (D.L.H.W.) is a traditional Chinese prescription for treatment of hepatitis. The hepatoprotective effects of D.L.H.W. and its constituents were investigated on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage mice. The hepatoprotective effect is more prominent for aqueous extracts of the complete formula of D.L.H.W., especially the one cited in the Chinese medical book Hsuan-Ming-Lun (H.M.L.). Our results are in accordance with those described in the Chinese medical literature and the indications suggested in clinical treatment (Wang, 1982). The results further indicate that Scutellariae Radix plays an important role in the hepatoprotective activity. Moschus could be omitted from D.L.H.W. with no significant influence on its effect. The underlying mechanism for the hepatoprotective effect of D.L.H.W. possibly results from the inhibition of the formation of *CCl3 and the enhancement of immunity of hepatitis-carrying patients.