[Effect of processing on specific toxicity of radix Achyranthis bidentatae]

To activate Epstein-barr virus in Raji cells in vitro the lowest activation concentrations of ether extracts from Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae unprepared (I), stir-baked with wine (II) and stir-baked with salt (III) required were 0.8.20 and 0.16 micrograms/ml respectively. 5 microliters (equal to 250 mg herb weight)/ear of these extracts had inflammatory effect on mouse ear skin in 4 hours. Ethanol extract of I at concentration 0.04-125 mg/ml did not increase the chromosomal aberration rates in CHL cells. The decoctions of I, II, and III given orally at 15 g/kg x 3d showed no effect on micronucleus rates in mouse bone marrow. Ethanol extracts of I, II, and III at 10 g/kg x 10d did not show any evident antifertility action.