AIM: To assess the inhibitory effect of Huangqi Zhechong decoction on hepatic fibrosis in rats induced by CCl4 plus alcohol and high fat low protein diet.METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divided into hepatic fibrosis model group, control group and 3 treatment groups consisting of 12 rats in each group. Except for the normalcontrol group, all the rats were subcutaneously injected with CCl4 at a dosage of 3 mL/kg. In 3 treated groups, either high-dose group (9 mL/kg), or medium-dose group (6 mL/kg),or low-dose group (3 mL/kg) was daily gavaged with Huangqi Zhechong decoction, and saline vehicle was given to model and normal control rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and biochemical examinations were used to determine the changes of alanine aminotransferase (ALT),aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hyaluronic acid (HA),laminin (LN), type-T-procollagen-N-peptide (PITIP), and type Ⅳ collagen content in serum, and hydroxyproline (Hyp)content in liver after sacrificing the rats. Pathologic changes,particularly fibrosis were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Van Gieson staining. RESULTS: Compared with the model control group; serumALT, AST, HA, LN, PITIP and type Ⅳ collagen levels dropped markedly in Huangqi Zhechong decoction groups, especially in the medium-dose Huangqi Zhechong decoction group (1 954±576 U/L vs 759±380 U/L, 2 735±786 U/L vs 1 259±829 U/L, 42.74±7.04 ng/mL vs 20.68±5.85 ng/mL,31.62±5.84 ng/mL vs 14.87±1.45 ng/mL, 3.26±0.69 ng/mL vs 1.47±0.46 ng/mL, 77.68±20.23 ng/mL vs 25.64±4.68 ng/mL, respectively) (P＜0.05). The Hyp content in liver tissue was also markedly decreased (26.47±11.24 mg/mgprot vs 9.89±3.74 mg/mgprot) (P＜0.01). Moreover, the stage of the rat liver fibrosis in Huangqi Zhechong decoction groups was lower than that in model group, and more dramatic drop was observed in medium-dose Huangqi Zhechong decoction group (P＜0.01).CONCLUSION: Huangqi Zhechong decoction can inhibit hepatic fibrosis resulted from chronic liver injure, retard the development of cirrhosis, and notably ameliorate the liver function. It may be a safe and effective therapeutic drug for patients with fibrosis.