Abstract

EVALUATION OF ACUTE AND SUB ACUTE TOXICITY OF THE LEAF EXTRACT OF TANACETUM PARTHENIUM (ASTERACEAE) AND SYNTHETIC PARTHENOLIDE

S. Pooja, *S. Prashanth, K. Suchetha, V. Vidya and B. Krishna

ABSTRACT

Acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous and ethanol extract Tanacetum parthenium leaf (family Asteraceae) and synthetic compound parthenolide was evaluated in Swiss mice. The acute toxicity studies were conducted as per the OECD guidelines 425, where the limit test dose of 2000 mg/kg, p.o., used. Results showed that the LD50 of the T. parthenium leaf extract is higher than 2000 mg/kg, p.o., and there was no mortality was observed at 2000 mg/kg, p.o., so, testing at higher dose of the extract was said to be practically non-toxic whereas the synthetic compound parthenolide showed the LD50 as 200 mg/kg, p.o In sub-acute toxicity study, the extract treated groups (2000mg/kg, p.o.) and synthetic compound parthenolide treated groups(200mg/kg, p.o.) were given daily for 28 days. The results obtained show no significant variation (p>0. 05) in body weight, weight of the liver and kidney when compared to the control group. The haematological and biochemical parameters (hepatic and renal function tests) did not show any significant changes in the sample treated groups when compared with the control group animals. Pathologically, neither gross abnormalities nor sign and symptoms of degeneration on the isolated organs under study were seen. No mortality was recorded till 28 days.

Keywords: Tanacetum parthenium, Parthenolide, Swiss albino mice, Acute and subacute toxicity study.