Objective: Based on the detection of tetrandrine in aqueous extract of Stephania tetrandra

this study aimd to elucidate the function discrepency of S. tetrandra and its main alkaloids-tetrandrinein effectiveness and toxicity

and to discover the relationship between them. Method: Tetrandrine content in the aqueous extract of S. tetrandra was determined by HPLC to define corresponding dose

then

analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of tetrandrine and aqueous extract of S. tetrandra were studied by the method of hot plate and ear swelling in mice. Meanwhile

the contents of alanine transaminase (ALT)

aspartate transaminase (AST)

total protein (TP)

albumin (ALB) and total bilirubin (TBIL) in plasma of rats at the different time points drug treatment of 12 days

24 days and 12 days after drug discontinuation were determined to detect the liver toxicity. Result: ①The content of tetrandrine in S. tetrandra was 8.99 mg·g-1

the transferring rate of tetrandrine was 30.03% in the aqueous extract of S. tetrandra. ②Aqueous extract of S. tetrandra and tetrandrine both have obvious analgesic action

but as to the short-term analgesic effect

tetrandrine was better than aqueous extract of S. tetrandra

while as for the lone-term analgesic effect

aqueous extract of S. tetrandra was better than tetrandrine. Referring to the anti-inflammatory effect

tetrandrine was relatively better than aqueous extract of S. tetrandra

but there was no significant difference. ③Both aqueous extract of S. tetrandraa and tetrandrine caused liver cell damage

but the mechanism was different.After drug discontinuation

the liver damage caused by aqueous extract of S. tetrandra was reversible while continuly deteriorated in the case of tetrandrine. Conclusion: As the major component of S. tetrandra

tetrandrine is not able to fully express the efficacy and toxicity of S. tetrandra

similarly

the other components of S. tetrandra could not prevent the toxic effects of tetrandrine. The function and mechanism are both different between the aqueous extract of S. tetrandra and tetrandrine.