Abstract: Objective To determine the material basis of analgesic effect and the effective dose range of Folium Artemisia Argyi, to clear the appropriate therapeutic index and safety margin, in order to provide the basis for the clinical safety. MethodsAnalgesic effect of the volatile oil and water extracts from Folium Artemisia Argyi were investigated by hot plate test and the toxicity in mice were investigated by the Bliss method to calculate the relevant indicators. ResultsThe ED50 and 95% confidence limit of water extraction components and volatile oil in Artemisia Argyi are respectively 2.0978 g·kg-1·d-1(1.5555~2.7917)g·kg-1·d-1, 0.302 mL·kg-1·d-1(0.213~0.429)mL·kg-1·d-1. TI and SF of water extraction components are respectively 38.2,10.9. TI and SF of volatile oil volatile oil in Artemisia Argyi are respectively 5.53, 1.06. ED95 and LD5 are respectively 1 086.70 and 1 151.60 amounts equivalent to the pharmacopoeia. ConclusionThe material basis of Folium Artemisia Argyi are water extraction components and volatile oil, the effective dose range are respectively(1.5555~2.7917)g·kg-1·d-1, (28.0~56.5)g ·kg-1·d-1. This study cleared water extraction components were more sensitive than volatile oil on the response to thermal stimulation in mice. The volatile oil has narrower margin of safety and low security than water extraction components.

Key words: Folium Artemisia Argyi, analgesic, margin of safety, therapeutic index, ED50