Inhibitory effects of Schisandra chinensis on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity

Schisandra chinensis is a well-known traditional medicinal herb. Acetaminophen is a commonly used over-the-counter analgesic and overdose of acetaminophen was the most frequent cause of acute liver failure. However, no studies have demonstrated the role of Schisandra chinensis in acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure to the best of our knowledge. In this study, an acute liver injury model was established in mice using acetaminophen. The protective role of Schisandra chinensis was detected by histopathological analysis, and measurement of the serum transaminase levels and hepatic Cyp activity levels in the mouse model. Subsequently, hepatocytes were isolated from the livers of the mouse model. The cell cycle, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species were determined using flow cytometry. Cell proliferation and 26S proteasome activity were determined using spectrophotometry. Schisandra chinensis was found to resist acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity by protecting mitochondria and lysosomes and inhibiting the phosphor-c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathway. These findings provide a novel application of Schisandra chinensis against acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure.