In order to evaluate the role and mechanism of Jinshisan(JSS) in gallstone dissolution

325 cases of various types of gallstone patients were treated by a collaborating group. The therapeutic effect was observed by B-ultrasonography before and after treatment. The results showed: (1) among the 164 cases of extra/intrahepatic duct stone

26 cases (15.85%) were cured; 73 cases (44.51%) were effective and 65 cases (39.63 %) were ineffective after being treated with JSS for 6.5 ± 3.9 months; (2) JSS made the stone disappear in 14 cases (9.5%) among 148 cases of gallbladder stone and was effective in 71 cases with total efficacy as 57.4%

which was better in comparison with ursodesoxycholic acid (UDCA); (3) the stones all disappeared only in 2 cases (5.9%) among the 35 cases with stones in multiple sites

with the total efficacy as 79.4%; (4) gallstone disappeared in 17 of 25 (68%) patients with size of stone ≤5mm

with only 4 of them ineffective; (5) the effect was better in those with treatment course >6 months; (6) analysis of bile showed that JSS could increase the amount of bile acid

decrease the bilirubin

mucous and bicarbonate radical in bile.