[Toxicity of matrine in Kunming mice].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the acute toxicity and assess the median lethal dose (LD50) of matrine in Kunming mice.


METHODS
Matrine at different doses were administered in Kunming mice via intraperitoneal injection, and the toxic reactions and LD50 of matrine was observed and determined.


RESULTS
The acute toxicity test of matrine indicated that the tolerable dose of matrine was above 80 mg/kg in Kunming mice, and the LD50 was 157.13 mg/kg (95%CI, 88.08-280.31 mg/kg). Morphological observation revealed degenerative changes of the nerve cells in the brain tissue of the mice.


CONCLUSIONS
The nervous system is the main target organ by the toxicity of matrine.
Wang
Xiao-yan
XY
Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. wangxiaoyan639@163.com
Liang
Lei
L
Chang
Jian-lan
JL
Yang
Min-hui
MH
Li
Zu-guo
ZG
D000470:Alkaloids / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D007928:Lethal Dose 50; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D011807:Quinolizines / Q000633:toxicity*; D023382:Toxicity Tests, Acute; D000093842:Matrines
D000470:Alkaloids; D011807:Quinolizines; D000093842:Matrines