Abstract: ObjectiveTo study the influence of cardiac function with the drug serum in Aconite water extract and explore the correlation between efficacy and toxicity of Radix Aconite. MethodsTake the myocardial perfusion experiment named Langedorff to observe the changes of cardiac output and myocardial contractility in isolated heart with different doses from pharmacopoeia prescribed doses to high doses. ResultsThe cardiac output and myocardial contraction force of isolated heart could be significantly increased with the pharmacopoeia prescribed doses' medicated serum, and the increase amplitude was connected with doses obviously. But in large doses, the cardiac output and cardiac muscle contraction force could not be increased much more. There were no significant changes in heart rate of all doses. ConclusionUnder the pharmacopoeia prescribed doses, the cardiac function of isolated heart could be increased with Aconite water extract and present a certain "dose-efficacy" relationship. But in large doses, the myocardial contraction force of isolated heart was insufficient and the cardiac output was decreased along with the increasing dose, and presented a certain "dose-toxicity" relationship. Therefore, the monitoring work of toxicity below the high doses should be paid attention to and the relevancy between efficacy and toxicity should be researched, so as to find a reasonable and effective dosage range, and to provide guidance for clinical safe drug use.

Key words: Aconitum carmichaeli Debx., medicated serum, cardiac function, toxicity and efficacy, relevance evaluation