Abstract: ObjectiveTo test the toxic effects of dauricine on human normal hepatic cells(L-02), human embryonic kidney 293 cells(HEK293) and human renal tubular epithelial cells(HK-2). MethodsMTT assay was used to test the cell viability of dauricine on hepatocytes and nephrocytes. Morphological changes of hepatocytes and nephrocytes were observed through inverted phase contrast microscope. The contents of LDH in nephrocytes supernatant and AST, ALP, LDH in hepatocytes supernatant were detected. ResultsThe MTT assay showed that 50~100 g ·mL-1 dauricine could inhibit L-02 cells viability obviously(P <0.01), 25~200 g ·mL-1 dauricine showed significant inhibitory action on HEK-293 cells viability(P <0.01), 12.5~50 g ·mL-1 dauricine could inhibit HK-2 cells viability(P<0.01 or P<0.05). Cell morphology showed that dauricine could damage the shapes of hepatocytes and nephrocytes and increase the cells mortality in a dose-dependent manner by microscope. 100 and 200 g ·mL-1 Dauricine could increase the contents of LDH in nephrocytes supernatant and AST, ALP, LDH in hepatocytes supernatant(P <0.01). ConclusionDauricine may cause hepatocytes and nephrocytes toxicity.

Key words: Rhizoma Menispermi, dauricine, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity