Objective To investigate the protective effects of extract of Periplaneta americana (APA) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Methods Seventy SD rats were divided into five groups:normal con-trol group (C), model control group (M), extract of APA 1 group (APA1), extract of APA 2 group (APA2) and reduced glutathi-one group (R). The liver fibrosis model was induced by injecting 40%CCl4-olive solution subcutaneously for seven weeks in M, APA1, APA 2 and R groups. Drugs were given at the same time. Rats were killed at 7-week (C, M, APA1 and R groups), and were killed at 9-week (APA2 group). The serum values of transaminase (ALT, AST), albumin (ALB), hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminin (LN), and hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were detected respectively. The expressions of apoptotic relat-ed gene Bcl-2 and Bax protein in central veins and portal areas of hepatic lobules were detected by immunohistochemical method. Results Rats showed poor nutritional status, and significantly increased transaminase, HA and LN in M group, but the serum level of ALB was significantly lower than that in C group. There was extensive necrosis of liver cells, obviously fi-brosis or cirrhosis in model rats’liver tissues. The serum contents of ALT, AST, HA and LN were significantly decreased, the serum level of ALB were significantly increased in APA1,APA2 and R groups (P<0.05). There were complete hepatic lobule and no obvious fibrous tissue hyperplasia in liver biopsy of APA1 and R groups. The values of Bcl-2/Bax proteins in central vein of liver tissues were significantly higher in APA1,APA2 and R groups than those of M group (P<0.05), but the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax was lower in periportal area of liver tissues (P<0.05). There were significantly higher body weight and ALB levels in APA1 group than those in R group (P<0.05). The level of transaminase was slightly higher in APA1 group than that of R group. The degeneration of liver cells was found mostly in R group. Conclusion The extract of Periplaneta americana has a role in protecting liver cells, inhibiting the progression of hepatic fibrosis, and improving the nutritional sta-tus of trial rats.