Abstract: Objective The different samples to the acute toxicity in Tripterygium wilfordii on mice were compared to provide the experimental data for the research and clinic of Tripterygium wilfordii. Methods The all components, water extraction components from Tripterygium wilfordii and Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside(TWP) were prepared and compared in accordance with classical acute toxicity test methods. The toxic symptom was observed, and the death and the change of body weight were recorded. Results The MLD of all components and water extraction components are respectively 8.0 g·kg-1 and 289.84 g·kg-1, which were respectively equal to 22.4 times and 811.6 times of 70 kg adult's daily dried medicinal herb expenses. The LD50 and 95% confidence limit of TWP was 166.34 mg·kg-1(157.60~175.51 mg·kg-1), which was equal to 110.9 times of 70 kg adult's daily dried medicinal herb expenses. The main acute toxicity symptoms and signs were negligent action and prone fixed. The toxicity occurred late and lasted long time. Conclusion The acute toxicity of different components in Tripterygium wilfordii on mice is: TWP>all components> water extraction components, but the process of toxicity in vivo, toxicity characteristics and toxicity mechanism are all not yet entirely clear, and they all need to be further studied.

Key words: Tripterygium wilfordii, all components, water extraction components, TWP, acute toxicity