Abstract: Objective To explore the acute toxicity of different enriched components in Asarum on mice. Methods The Asarum volatile oil group, supercritical fluid extraction group and water extraction group were prepared respectively. The acute toxicity of different components of Asarum on mice was compared using classical acute toxicity test methods. Results The main symptoms and signs of acute toxicity were convulsions, dispiritedness and breathlessness. Most of the deaths occurred within 12 hours of drug treatment. 24 hours after drug treatment, the surviving mice started to recover their spirits and appetite, and few mice died within the next 14 days. Enriched volatile oil of xanthine, enriched volatile oil of methyl eugenol, total volatile oil LD₅₀ and 95% confidence intervals were 428.9 g·kg^-1(373.28~530.61 g·kg^-1·d^-1),576.92 g·kg^-1(492.04~653.17 g·kg^-1·d^-1) and 158.35 g·kg^-1(126.07~184.29 g·kg^-1·d^-1) respectively. Conclusion The acute toxicity intensity of different components of Asarum volatile oil in mice is the highest in the total volatile oil group, followed by the enriched safrol volatile oil group and enriched methyl eugenol volatile oil group. This study is expected to provide reference for the safe use of Asarum.

Key words: Asarum, different extracts of volatile oil, mouse, acute toxicity