Effect of Anoectochilus formosanus on fibrosis and regeneration of the liver in rats.

1. The present study examined the effects of an aqueous extract of Anoectochilus formosanus (AFE) on both hepatic fibrosis and regeneration in rats. 2. Fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) for 3 consecutive days per week for 4 weeks. 3. In DMN-treated rats, liver cirrhosis-associated complications, such as liver atrophy, low concentrations of serum albumin and the accumulation of hepatic collagen, were observed. The AFE protected the liver against DMN-induced fibrosis, as determined by morphological and biochemical observations. 4. In addition, AFE was administered to two-thirds hepatectomized normal and DMN-injured rats. Three and 5 days after hepatectomy, AFE increased the extent of liver weight regeneration and the number of S-phase cells in DMN-injured rats, but not in normal rats. 5. These results show that AFE seems to be useful in the repair of liver injury, improvement of fibrotic changes and promotion of liver regeneration.