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This study investigated the protective effects of isoquinoline alkaloid berberine on the CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Berberine was administered as a single dose at 5 and 10mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.), 1h before CCl₄ (10%, v/v in olive oil, 2ml/kg) injection and mice were euthanized 24h later. The rise in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in CCl₄-intoxicated mice was markedly suppressed by berberine in a concentration-dependent manner. The decrease in hepatic activity of superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) and an increase in lipid peroxidation were significantly prevented by berberine. Histopathological changes were reduced and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was markedly attenuated by berberine 10mg/mg. The results of this …