Objective: To study the time-effect relation and dose-effect relation of hepatotoxicity induced by Evodia rutaecarpa in mice. Method: KM mice were divided into control group and model groups. Model groups were divided into 5 different time groups and 3 different dose groups. The different time groups were gavaged with water decoction of E.rutaecarpa in doses of 50 g ·kg-1 for 8

15

25

30 d and then sacrificed. While the different dose groups were given in dose of 100

50

25 g ·kg-1 for 8 days and then sacrificed. All animals were detected for the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

aspartate aminotransferase(AST). The liver index was calculated

and the liver histological changes were investigated. Result: Compared with the control group

dose group of 50 g ·kg-1 had a high level of serum ALT

AST and liver index(P＜0.01).Serum ALT and AST reached a peak after 20 days:ALT from (31.7±9.1)U ·L-1 to (621.4±244.9) U ·L-1

AST from (120.0±31.8) to (407.6±132.8) U ·L-1respectively. Furthermore

the liver index and pathologic change showed time dependance.In the groups of different doses

serum ALT

AST and liver index were all increased.ALT in the medium and high dose groups were (127.2±42.0)

(320.0±131.3) U ·L-1

AST were (282.1±69.8)

(471.4±143.7) U ·L-1.Compared with the control group

there were significant differences in serum ALT

AST and liver index of the high and medium dose groups

and the liver pathologic examination showed the liver tissue were damaged more seriously with the increased dose in a dose dependence manner. Conclusion: When water decoction of E.rutaecarpa is given to mice continuously

it may induce liver damage and the hepatotoxicity demonstrated by significant time-effect and dose-effect.