Abstract: Objective By comparing the alkaloids and organic acids content and the acute toxicity of different original Pinellia ternata, to explore the effect of origin on the quality and toxicity of Pinellia ternata. Methods By using the acid dye colorimetry, acid-base titration, HPLC, and the classic acute toxicity experiment method,to determine the content of total alkaloids, total organic acids, ephedrine, guanosine, succinic acid in Pinellia ternata and Typhonium flagelliforme, and compare the acute toxicity. Results The contents of total alkaloids, total organic acids, guanosine, succinic acid in Pinellia ternata are all more than Typhonium Flagelliforme, and the content of ephedrine in Typhonium Flagelliforme is more than Pinellia ternata. The amounts to gavage mice original medicine suspension of Pinellia ternata and Typhonium Flagelliforme by the largest administration every day are separately 34.8g/kg and 38.4g/kg(calculated by raw medicinal herbs amount),which is respectively equal to more than 270.7 times and 298.7 times of 70kg people’s daily dried medicinal herb expenses, by continuous observation of 14 days, and the mice are in good general conditions and no one died. Conclusion There are significant differences on the contents of main chemical composition and the toxicity, the toxicity of Pinellia ternata is more than Typhonium Flagelliforme, and there is some relevance bettween the toxicity and the alkaloids and organic acids content.

Key words: Pinellia ternate, Typhonium Flagelliforme, acute toxicity, organic acid, alkaloid