ObjectiveTo investigate the effective components of
Radix Ginger(RG) on reducing the toxicity of
Radix Aconiti Laterlis(RAL)
and the related mechanisms.MethodsRAL and the water extract of RG,RAL and the ethyl acetate extract,RAL and the chloroform extract and RAL and the benzinum extract were boiled for 30min respectively.HPLC was used to measure the concentrations of aconitine and hypaconitine in each decoction.Meanwhile,the acute toxicity of the above decoctions was determined by oral administration in mice respectively.ResultsRG had the effect on reducing the toxicity of RAL when RG and RAL were boiled together.The concentration of aconitine in this decoction increased while the concentration of hypaconitine was reduced.The chloroform extract and the benzinum extract had strong effects on reducing the toxicity of RAL,meanwhile the concentration of aconitine in the decoctions was reduced.Especially in the benzinum extract and RAL decoction both aconitine and hypaconitine concentrations were reduced obviously.The ethyl acetate extract could strongly reduce the toxicity of RAL,however,the concentrations of aconitine and hypaconitine increased.The water extract could slightly increase the toxicity of RAL and the concentrations of aconitine and hypaconitine increased.ConclusionRG has the effect on reducing the toxicity of RAL when RG and RAL are boiled together.The chloroform extract and the benzinum extract of RG have the strong effect on reducing the toxicity of RAL by restraining the dissolution of the toxic alkalines contained in RAL into the decoction.The ethyl acetate extract may combine with the toxic alkalines,postpone the absorption of the combined compounds,and reduce the acute toxicity of RAL or have the effect on antagonizing the toxic effects of alkalines contained in RAL after it has absorbed the ethyl acetate extract.