Description
Schisandrol B is a lignan originally isolated from
S. chinensis that has hepatoprotective activity. It increases the expression of pregnane X receptor (PXR) target genes involved in bile acid metabolism, including
Cyp3a11,
Ugt1a1,
Oatp2, and
Mrp3 in mouse liver and
CYP3A4,
UGT1A1, and
OATP2 in HEK293T cells. It also protects against lithocholic acid-induced hepatic necrosis and intrahepatic cholestasis in wild-type, but not
Pxr-null, mice and decreases mortality in a mouse model of cholestasis when administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg twice per day. It also promotes liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy and protects against hepatotoxicity induced by acetaminophen .
