Pharmacological effects of Reiousan on experimental hepatic injuries and hepatic functions

Pharmacological effects of Reiousan, a crude drug preparation consisting of bezoar and ginseng, on experimental hepatic injuries and hepatic functions were studied. After administration of Reiousan, carbon tetrachloride, d-galactosamine and α-naphthylisothiocyanateinduced experimental hepatic injuries in rats were inhibited. Facilitation of recovery from increased retention rate of sulfobromophthalein in hepatectomized rats, increase in hepatic blood flow, inhibition of superoxide anions, and decrease in blood ethanol concentration in rats administered ethanol were observed after application of Reiousan. Inhibitory effects of Reiousan on experimental hepatic injuries may result from the increase in hepatic blood flow and inhibition of superoxide anions.