An Experimental Study on Single-dose and 4 Weeks Repeated-dose Toxicity of Aconitum ciliare Decaisne Pharmacopuncture

Objectives : This study was performed to examine the toxicity of Aconitum ciliare Decaisne pharmacopuncture(ADP). Methods : The toxicity was evaluated for lethal dose for 50 percent kill(LD50), single dose and repeated dose for 4 weeks. Toxic symptoms, weight measurement, hematological test, blood biochemical test, visual examination and weight measurement of major organs and histopathological test were observed for 4 weeks. Dose of 300, 600, 1,200, 2,400, 3,600, 4,800, 6,000, 7,200 mg/kg in the LD50 experiment, 300, 600, 1,200 mg/kg/day in the single experiment, 150, 300, 600 mg/kg/day in 4 weeks experiments were injected into BALB/c mice. The ADP was injected into ST36 of the right leg. Normal saline solution of same volume was used for control group. In 24 hours after the last treatment, blood samples were taken after anesthesia by inhalation of ethyl ether. After that, the BALB/c mice were euthanized. Their heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and reproductive organs were removed and weighed. Histopathological evaluation was also performed. Results : ADP's LD50 was measured at 6,000 mg/kg. In both single and repeated dose toxicity test, no BALB/c mouse died during the experiments. ADP treatment for 4 weeks did not show any significant changes in toxic symptoms, weight measurement, hematological test, blood biochemical test, visual examination and weight measurement of major organs and histopathological test. Conclusions : As a result, ADP's LD50 was 6,000 mg/kg and repeated dose at a concentration of 600 mg/kg or less is considered to be not harmful for clinical treatment.

초오약침의 단회 및 4주 반복 투여 독성에 관한 실험적 연구