Adult male and female SD rats, aged 4 weeks, weighing 90–110 g and 85–100g, respectively, were obtained from Beijing HFK Bioscience Co. Ltd. The animals were housed in groups of matched weights under the same conditions as described for mice. The protocol was in accordance with Chinese traditional medicine, natural medicine Long-term toxicity study rudder (2005b), and in accordance with the National Institute of Health Guidelines (USA) for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.