In a study testing the effects of red peony root decoction (RPRD) on rats with severe acute pancreatitis, researchers divided rats into groups and administered RPRD to some of them. They found that rats treated with RPRD had lower levels of an enzyme called amylase in their blood, indicating improved pancreas function. Additionally, the rats treated with RPRD had lower levels of inflammatory markers TNF-α and IL-6, showing reduced inflammation in the pancreas. The RPRD-treated rats also showed lighter pancreas damage when compared to the untreated rats. These results suggest that RPRD may help alleviate the symptoms and pathology associated with acute pancreatitis in rats.