Low concentrations of tetrandrine inhibited TNF-α-stimulated TAK1 and NF-κB activation in hepatic stellate cells (HSC).
At higher concentrations, tetrandrine triggered HSC apoptosis via TAK1 and NF-κB activation.
At even higher concentrations, tetrandrine was cytotoxic to HSCs and hepatocytes.
Anti-fibrogenic effects of tetrandrine were concentration dependent.