Toxicology of Kalopanax pictus extract and hematological effect of the isolated anti-rheumatoidal kalopanaxsaponin A on the Freunds complete adjuvantreagent-treated rat

We have reported that kalopanaxsaponin A (KPS-A) isolated from Kalopanax pi ctus have anti-rheumatoidal activity in the rat treated with Freunds comple te adjuvant (FCA) reagent. In addition, it has been also reported that KPS- A is a potent antioxidant in the rheumatoidal rat. This research was undert aken to examine whether the saponins of KPS-A and -I could adjust the abnor mal lipid metabolisms and hematological changes in immunological diseases. KPS-A significantly inhibited the increases in both triglycerides and total proteins in addition to the decrease in total cholesterol induced by FCA r eagent treatment KPS-A treatment decreased the number of leucocytes elevate d by FCA reagent treatment. Excess dose of the methanol extract produced no severe toxicity on the body weight, wet organ weights and hepatic function s. Since LD50 value of K. pictus methanol extract was shown to be 4,033 mg/ kg, it could be estimated to be a safe agent for anti-rheumatoidal herbal m edicines.