The Korea Journal of Herbology (대한본초학회지)

The Korea Association of Herbology (대한본초학회)
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Subacute Oral Toxicity of Ephedrae Herba Extract in SD Rats

SD계 흰쥐에서 마황 추출물의 아급성 경구 독성 시험 연구

  • Choi, Dong-Gi (Dept. of Prescriptionology, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Shim, Kyung-Jun (Dept. of Prescriptionology, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Choi, Bong-Jae (Dept. of Prescriptionology, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Park, Soo-Yeon (Research Institute of Physical Education, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Chang, Mun-Seog (Dept. of Prescriptionology, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Park, Seong-Kyu (Dept. of Prescriptionology, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University)
  • 최동기 (경희대학교 한의과대학 처방제형학교실) ;
  • 심경준 (경희대학교 한의과대학 처방제형학교실) ;
  • 최봉재 (경희대학교 한의과대학 처방제형학교실) ;
  • 박수연 (경희대학교 체육과학연구소) ;
  • 장문석 (경희대학교 한의과대학 처방제형학교실) ;
  • 박성규 (경희대학교 한의과대학 처방제형학교실)
  • Published : 2008.12.30
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Abstract

Objectives: Ephedrae herba, also known as Ma-huang, is a traditional Korean medicinal herb. It has been used to treat asthma, nose and lung congestion, and fever with anhidrosis for centuries. Recently, Ma-huang was used as a source of ephedrine in many dietary supplements for weight reduction in the United States. The objective of this study was to investigate the subacute toxicity of ephedrae herba extract in rats. Methods: SPF Sprague-Dawley male rats were administered orally with ephedrae herba extract for 4 weeks as several doses(0, 125, 250, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg). We examined number of deaths, clinical signs, body weights and gross findings for experimental period. Results: No dead animals were found during the experimental period. In addition, no differences were found between control and treated groups in clinical signs, hematology, serum biochemistry, and other findings. Conclusions: In conclusion, above data suggest that no observed adverse effect level of ephedrae herba extract in SD rats might be over 2,000 mg/kg/day in this study.

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