ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pharmacodynamics and toxicicity of the major bioactive components extracted and purified from Radix Paeoniae Alba and Rhizoma Curcumae Longae using Amberlite XAD-1600 resin. METHODS: Amberlite XAD-1600 was used to purify the bioactive components from the crude 75% ethanol extracts of the two herbs. The pharmacodynamic and toxic effects of the crude extracts and extract purified using XAD-1600 resin were comparatively examined with two acute inflammatory models, two pain models and acute toxicity test in vivo. RESULTS: The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the purified extract were significant stronger with lower toxicity than those of the crude ethanol extract. CONCLUSION: Amberlite XAD-1600 resin allows efficient extraction and purification of the bioactive components from the two herbs.