A hepatoprotective agent; reduces viral DNA and the secretion of HBsAg and HBeAg by 59 and 35%, respectively, in infected 2.2.15 HepG2 cells; reduced DHBV DNA in DHBV-infected ducks at doses ≥0.4 g/kg; reduces the expression of TNF-α and the accumulation of lymphocytes in the liver in a mouse model of concanavalin A-induced liver injury; prevents formation of DEN/PB-induced hepatocellular carcinomas; reduces liver fibrosis in a rat model of bile duct ligation-induced hepatic fibrosis