Pulsatilla chinensis saponins cause liver injury through interfering ceramide/sphingomyelin balance that promotes lipid metabolism dysregulation and apoptosis.

Background: P. chinensis saponins (PRS) are pentacyclic triterpenoid bioactive constituents from Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel. In our previous study, PRS caused chronic liver injury (CLI) with the significant changes of lipid metabolites including sphingomyelin (SM) in serum after long-term administration.