Abstract: Objective To preliminarily study he mechanisms of anti-inflammatory efficacy and accompanied toxicity and side effects of water extraction components of Sophorae tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma on throat excess-heat syndrome model in mice, discuss the relationship of "efficacy-syndrome-toxicity", provide experimental basis for reasonable application of Sophorae tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma under the background of syndrome. Methods The method of throat excess-heat syndrome model in mice was built, which were administrated with different doses of water extraction components of Sophorae tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma, detecting the level of PGE2, MDA, SOD, NO, NOS, GSH and GSH-Px in serum. Results Water extraction components of Sophorae tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma had strong inhibitory effect on the croton oil inducing ear swelling in throat excess-heat syndrome mice after multiple administration. The level of PGE2 in serum obviously decreased after 3 d administration. The activity of MDA enhanced and SOD decreased. The levels of NO and NOS enhanced. The activity of GSH and GSH-Px decreased. All the changes were aggravated in accordance with the dosages, showing a certain dose-dependence relationship. Conclusion The anti-inflammation mechanism of water extraction components of Sophorae tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma was mainly related with the reduction of the content of PGE2, and the level of SOD, MDA and NO in serum. The approach of accompanied hepatotoxioity damage was related with the oxidative damage. Whether there are other mechanisms, it remains to be further researched.

Key words: Sophorae tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma, throat excess-heat syndrome, anti-inflammation, accompanied toxicity and side effects, peroxidative damage