On day 8 after ligation of the common bile duct in rats a significant increase in the serum content of total lipids, cholesterol, bilirubin and ALT, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma glutamyltransferase was observed. In the hepatic microsomal fraction there was a marked decrease in the content and activity of microsomal monooxygenases. Introperitoneal injections of berberine (10 mg/kg) for 6 days caused a partial normalization of hepatocyte plasma permeability and activity of microsomal flavin containing monooxyge nases. It is suggested that berberine is a substrate and inducer of flavin containing monooxygenases. The membrane stabilizing effect of berberine is probably realized at the level of inhibition of the prooxidant status of liver cells.

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