Abstract

EVALUATION OF ACUTE TOXICITY OF CHASSALIA CURVIFLORA (WALL.) THWAITES ROOTS IN ALBINO RATS

Dr. Greeshma K. C.* and Dr. N. Manoj Kuma

ABSTRACT

Objective: Chassalia curviflora (Wall.)Thwaites is a flowering tropical woody shrub found mainly in south and east asia. It is mainly used in folklore practises in conditions like jaundice, malaria, coughs, wounds, and ulcers. The objective of the study is to evaluate acute toxicity of the drug in albino rats. Materials and method: Acute oral toxicity test was performed by following OECD 425 guidelines using AOT software. Albino rats of either sex of body weight 150 – 250 g selected by random sampling were used. The test drugs were administered at a dose of 175,550 upto 2000 mg /kg (up and down method) and observed for 14 days for general appearance, cage side behaviour and any sign of toxicity illness. All the animals were observed at 1, 4 h, 24 h, 48 h after dosing and there after daily once to observe mortality during the entire period of the study. Results: There were no physical and behavioral changes-except mild increase in motor activity in 1 rat of group 2000 mg/ kg at 1st hr after dosing. Straub reaction was observed for 1 rat of group 2000 mg/kg at 4th hour and another rat of group 2000 mg / kg at 1st, 2nd, 4th and 24th hour. All the animals belonging to the treated group survived throughout the 14 days observation period after dosing. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Chassalia curviflora (Wall.)Thwaites root is found to be safe for internal administration in the acute toxicity study. No toxicity upto 2000 mg/ kg.

Keywords: Chassalia curviflora, acute toxicity, rats.