Arctigenin (ARC), a biologically active lignan extracted from the seeds of Arctium lappa L, inhibited autophagy by downregulating Atg7, Beclin‐1, LC3‐II and p62, and prevented hepatocyte apoptosis by decreasing the expression of Bnip3 and Beclin‐1 in Con A‐induced AIH injury. The gene discussed is BECN1; the disease is autoimmune hepatitis.