Objective To study the effects of Huatan Qushi Huoxue Formula（formula to resolve phlegm

eliminate dampness and activate blood circulation） on pathological changes of liver tissue in rats with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis（NASH）. Methods Totally 72 male SD rats were randomized into the blank group

model group

control group and Huatan Qushi Huoxue Formula high-dose

middle-dose and low-dose groups

with 12 in each. The blank group was given normal diet. Other 5 groups were given fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of tetracycline to establish NASH models. From the 2nd week of modeling

the control group was gavaged with 28. 5 mg /（100 g·d） polyene phosphatidylcholine capsule（ Essentiale） suspension

Huatan Qushi Huoxue Formula high-dose

middle-dose and low-dose groups were gavaged with 5. 0 g /（100 g·d）

2. 52 g /（100 g·d） and 1. 26 g /（100 g·d） of Huatan Qushi Huoxue Formula suspension respectively

and the blank group and model group were gavaged with the equal volume of normal saline. The levels of alanine aminotransferase（ALT）

aspartate aminotransferase（AST）

triglyceride（ TG）and total cholesterol（TC） were detected 5 weeks later. The liver tissue sections were stained by HE staining and oil red O staining. The pathological changes of liver tissue and changes of fat deposition area were observed. Results Comparing with the model group

the levels of ALT

AST

TG and TC were significantly decreased in the control group and Huatan Qushi Huoxue Formula high-dose

middle-dose and low-dose groups（P < 0. 01）

especially in the Huatan Qushi Huoxue Formula high-dose group（P < 0. 01）. Comparing with the model group

the area of fat deposition and inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver cells was significantly reduced in all administration groups（ P <0. 01）

especially in the Huatan Qushi Huoxue Formula high-dose group. Conclusion Huatan Qushi Huoxue Formula can effectively reduce liver injury and relieve fat deposition in the liver cells

especially high-dose Huatan Qushi Huoxue Formula.