Abstract:

Objective   To investigate the effect of Panax notoginseng saponin monomers Rg1 an Rb1  in inhibiting hepatic fibrosis. Methods   A rat model of hepatic fibrosis was established by using 50% CCl4.   Rg1 or Rb1 was administered by hypodermical injection. At the end of the treatment, pathological changes of hepatic tissues were observed by transmission electron microscope. Stereological data of liver cell mitochondria among all groups were collected and analyzed. Results   Rg1 and Panax notoginsenosides alleviated deposition of collagen in hepatic tissues and improved hepatic fibrosis, while Rb1 did not exhibit these functions. The stereological data of liver cell mitochondria among all the groups were statistically different.  Conclusion   Rg1 had antifibrosis effects, and Rg1 was more effective  than  Panax notoginsenosides in some aspects. Rg1 is the antifibrotic agent among the panaxsaponins.

Key words: Hepatic fibrosis; Panax Notoginsenosides; Panaxsaponin Rg1; Panaxsaponin Rb1; stereology