Abstract: Objective To compare the acute toxicity effect of different components of Aconite on normal mice and observe/evaluate the acute toxicity of Aconite herbs. Thus, we try to provide a foundation for rational drug use in clinic. Methods Preparing the all-components, water extracted components and alcohol extracted components, then ig. all-components, water extracted components and alcohol extracted components of Aconite to mice and the MLD, LD50 were tested respectively by the classic Methods of acute toxicity. Results The LD50 and 95% confidence limit of alcohol extracted components was 11.7 g·kg^-1·d^-1 and 11.1~12.4 g·kg^-1·d^-1 respectively, which was equal to 54.6 times of the clinical daily dosage in 70kg humans. The MLD of all-components was 16.0 g·kg^-1·d^-1 and the MLD of water extracted components was 14.4 g·kg^-1·d^-1, which was respectively equal to 74.7 times and 67.2 times of the clinical daily dosage in 70kg humans. By observing, we found that hypokinesia, nausea, quadriplegia, hyperspasmia, consequence and prostrate motionlessness were the main acute toxical symptoms and signs caused by Aconite, and these occurred in six hours after gavage administration. Conclusion Different components of Aconite can cause certain acute toxicity effect on normal mice, and the alcohol extracted components are with the greatest degree of toxicity, followed by water extracted components, and the least is the all-components.

Key words: mouse, acute toxicity