Background: Angong Niuhuang Pill (AGNH Pill) has been used as patented herbal formula for treatment of acute brain disorders in China. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of AGNH Pill on neurological function and intestinal mucosal barrier in intracerebral hemorrhage. Materials and Methods: Male CD-1 mice were randomly divided into sham group, intracerebral hemorrhage group (ICH), AGNH Pill 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 g/kg groups, Intracerebral hemorrhage model was prepared by collagenase injection using a stereotaxic frame. The mice in AGNH Pill groups were intragastrically treated with AGNH Pill.  Garcia test was used to evaluate the neurological function of mice. The brain water content of was measured by wet and dry method. The permeability of intestinal mucosa was detected by FITC-D method. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes of intestine. The content of endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in blood was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared with the sham group, the neurological score of ICH group reduced. The water content of brain, the permeability of intestinal mucosa, the content of endotoxin, TNF-α, IL-1β in ICH group augmented. After the administration of AGNH Pill, the neurological score of mice was increased, and the water content of brain tissue was decreased. AGNH Pill alleviated the pathological injury of the intestine induced by intracerebral hemorrhage. AGNH Pill decreased the permeability of intestinal mucosa and the endotoxin content in blood. Simultaneously, the content of TNF-α and IL-1β in blood was also decreased in AGNH Pill groups. Conclusion: AGNH Pill can improve the neurological dysfunction by protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier and then inhibiting the systemic inflammation in intracerebral haemorrhage mice.

Key words: Angong Niuhuang Pill, Intracerebral hemorrhage, Intestinal mucosa, Endotoxin, Inflammation