OBJECTIVE: To probe the preventive, therapeutic effect and the possible mechanism of extract from Rheum palmatum (ERP) on hepatic encephalopathy(HE) in rats with acute liver failure. METHODS: HE was induced by the administration of 300 mg thioracetamide per kg body weight by gavage on two consecutive days. The effects of ERP were observed on neurology test, serum ammonium, serum endotoxin and liver impairment. RESULTS: ERP could improve rat neuro-reflexes, decrease the staging of HE and rat serum ammonium, endotoxin concentrations, and reduce the liver impairment. CONCLUSION: ERP significantly prevents and treats HE in rats with thioacetamide-induced acute liver failure.
OBJECTIVE: To probe the preventive, therapeutic effect and the possible mechanism of extract from Rheum palmatum (ERP) on hepatic encephalopathy(HE) in rats with acute liver failure. METHODS: HE was induced by the administration of 300 mg thioracetamide per kg body weight by gavage on two consecutive days. The effects of ERP were observed on neurology test, serum ammonium, serum endotoxin and liver impairment. RESULTS: ERP could improve rat neuro-reflexes, decrease the staging of HE and rat serum ammonium, endotoxin concentrations, and reduce the liver impairment. CONCLUSION: ERP significantly prevents and treats HE in rats with thioacetamide-induced acute liver failure.