Objective: To explore the acute toxicity and genotoxicity of Dipsaci Radix in mice. Method: The acute toxicity of Dipsaci Radix in mice was evaluated by the maximum tolerated dose method

and the changes of body weight

heart

spleen

liver

and kidney indexes were observed. Its genotoxicity was evaluated by micronucleus test and single cell gel electrophoresis test. 40 mice were divided into five groups randomly:blank group (normal saline of 10 mL · kg-1 by gavage)

cyclophosphamide group (0.1 g · kg-1 cyclophosphamide was injected since the fourth day)

and Dipsaci Radix water extract liquid high dose group

middle dose group and low dose group (32

16 and 8 g · kg-1 by gavage). 5 days latter

all of the mice were sacrificed and anatomized.The bone marrow cells were taken to detect the micronucleus rate of polychromatic erythrocytes

and the DNA damages of thymus

liver and spleen were detected by single cell gel electrophoresis test. Result: The maximum tolerated dose was 80 g · kg-1 for Dipsaci Radix water extract liquid by oral taking in mice

and such dose had no significant effect on body weight and heart

spleen

liver

and kidney indexes. Compared with blank group

there was no significant difference in micronucleus rate of polychromatic erythrocytes in middle and low dose groups

but the micronucleus rate of polychromatic erythrocytes in high dose group was significantly higher than that in blank group (P<0.05).The tail DNA percent and tail moment of thymus

liver and spleen in high

middle and low dose groups were a little higher than those in blank group

but with no significant difference. Conclusion: The maximum tolerated dose of Dipsaci Radix water extract liquid is 80 g ·kg-1 in mice

with no acute toxicity on mice. Middle and low doses of Dipsaci Radix water extract liquid have no genotoxicity on mice

while high dose of Dipsaci Radix has increased the micronucleus rate of polychromatic erythrocytes

showing potential genotoxicity on mice.