Abstract: Objective To explore the acute toxicity of different components in Asarum on mice. Methods Respectively prepared Asarum volatile oil groups, supercritical fluid extraction groups and the water extraction groups. To compare the acute toxicity of different components in Asarum on mice in accordance with classical acute toxicity test methods. Results The main acute toxicity symptoms and signs are convulsions, dispirited and breathlessness. The mouse death was centralized from 12 hours after medication. 24 hours after medication, spirit and anorexia were recovered gradually in the survival mice, and had little mice died in the next 14 days. The LD50 and 95% confidence limit of volatile oil and supercritical fluid extraction in Asarum are respectively 86.9g·kg-1·d-1 (62.2~120.8g·kg-1·d-1) and 7.4g·kg-1·d-1(6.3~8.7g·kg-1·d-1); the water extraction groups are unable to make LD50, the MLD are 30g·kg-1·d-1, which are equal to 76.92 times of 70kg adult's daily dried medicinal herb expenses. Conclusion The acute toxicity of different components in Asarum on mice is as follows: supercritical fluid extraction groups > volatile oil groups > the water extraction groups,the water extraction given in higher dosage is no obvious intraocular toxic reaction and has a higher security. This study might further provide some experimental basis for the clinical application of Asarum on a high dosage in decoction.

Key words: Asarum, different extractions, mice, acute toxicity