The researchers investigated how paeoniflorin, a compound found in plants, protects the livers of rats from damage caused by radiation. They tested different doses of paeoniflorin on rats that were exposed to radiation on their livers. The results showed that rats in a normal group had less liver damage than rats in a model group with liver injury. Rats given paeoniflorin had lower levels of enzymes that indicate liver damage compared to those not given the compound. Additionally, the rats treated with paeoniflorin had higher levels of certain substances that protect the liver from damage. This study suggests that paeoniflorin may help protect the liver from acute injury caused by radiation exposure in rats.