Abstract: Objective To compare the content of saikosaponin and the acute toxicity on Radix Bupleuri Scorzoner-aefolliand its processed products, and discuss the effect of processing on the content and toxicity of Bupleurum saikosaponin substances. Methods HPLC method and the classical method of acute toxicity were used to determine the content of saikosaponin a and the acute toxicity of the Radix Bupleuri Scorzoneraefolliand its processed products, and compare the content and the acute toxicity. Results The content of saikosaponin a on the different processed products which included health products, fried products, vinegar products, wine products and honey roasted products was separately 0.46%,0.16%,0.22%,0.22%,0.32%. The health products, fried products, vinegar products, wine products and honey roasted products of Radix Bupleuri Scorzoneraefolli did not appear dead. Calculated by crude drug content, the MLD were respectively 25.2,28.8,26.4,26.0,32.4g·kg^-1,which were respectively equal to 196,224,205,233,252 times of 70kg people's daily dried medicinal herb expenses. Making continuous observation of 14 days, mice were generally in good condition,and no one died. Conclusion The content of saikosaponin a and the acute toxicity of the Radix Bupleuri Scorzoneraefolliand its processed products were different, and no death occurred in each sample,the MLD showed the basic security and low toxicity of the Radix Bupleuri Scorzoneraefolliand its processed products, suggesting that processing has some influence on the content of the saikosaponin substances and the safe dose range of Radix Bupleuri Scorzoneraefolli herbs.

Key words: Radix Bupleuri Scorzoneraefolli, processed products, Bupleurum saikosaponin, mice, acute toxicity