Abstract: ObjectiveThe influence of different alcohol extraction on the content of total alkaloid and acute toxicity of Rhizoma Pinelliae caused by different extracted crafts was compared, in order to provide a basis for safe and reasonable medication in clinic. MethodsUsing different alcohol extracted crafts to prepare the samples. UV method was used to determine the content of total alkaloid at 416nm wavelength. The classical acute toxicity methods were used in this study. The MTD value of acid-water extracted group and acid-alcohol extracted group were calculated by mg/kg basis; and the LD50 value of acid-water filtered group and acid-alcohol filtered group were tested by bliss method. Administration and observation the mice for 14 days, and the change of mice weight, the acute toxical symptoms, signs, death time and accumulated death rate were recorded. ResultsThe content of total alkaloid is: acid-alcohol filtered group>acid-alcohol extracted group>acid-water filtered group>acid-water extracted group.The MTD value of acid-water extracted group and acid-alcohol extracted group is 29.6 g·kg-1·d-1 and 27.2 g·kg-1·d-1 respectively, which are equal to 230.2 and 211.6 times of daily dosage in clinic;the LD50 value of acid-water filtered group and acid-alcohol filtered group is 14.15 g·kg-1·d-1 and 14.27 g·kg-1·d-1 respectively, 95% confidence interval is respectively 12.981~15.563g·kg-1·d-1 and 13.167~15.204 g·kg-1·d-1, which are equal to 110.0 and 111.0 times of daily dosage in clinic. According to the observation of acute toxity tests, respiratory depression, hyperspasmia, diarrhea, dysphoria, vomit and tears running are the main acute toxical symptoms of different alcohol extractions. ConclusionTotal alkaloid is one of toxic substances of Rhizoma Pinelliae which has obvious toxity. The temperature has great impact on the content of total alkaloid.which shows that some toxic ingredients could be destroyed by temperature easily.

Key words: Rhizoma Pinelliae, alcohol extracted craft, total alkaloid, acute toxicity