Abstract: Objective To study the antipyretic effects and accompanied side effects of water extraction of Bupleurum components for rat fever model so as to provide the experimental basis for "efficacy- toxicity" correlation. Methods Rat fever model was established via the back injection of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP). Different doses of water extraction of Bupleurum components were given to rats by gavage. The temperature was detected in anus once every 30 minutes, continuously determined for 4 hours, recorded anal temperature and observed the antipyretic effect. At the same time, the levels of ALT, AST, TBA, TBIL, Cr and BUN in serum were detected and the heart, liver and kidney indexes were calculated. Efficacy and accompanied side effects were evaluated via all these data. Results Antipyretic effect was significantly reflected when rat fever model caused by DNP were treated with water extraction of Bupleurum components by gavage. The activities of ALT and AST increased obviously after administration for consecutive 3 days. Conclusion Water extraction of Bupleurum components has the effect of dropping in temperature to the rat fever model, which is accompanied by hepatotoxicity. The effect and hepatotoxicity all show a certain dose dependence relationships.

Key words: Bupleurum, antipyretic effect, accompanied side effect