TOXICITY EVALUATION OF HYDRO-ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF PORTULACA OLERACEA (WHOLE PLANT) IN SWISS ALBINO MICE
Keywords:
Hydro-alcoholic extract, Acute oral toxicity, Subacute oral toxicityAbstract
Objective: To evaluate the toxicity (acute and sub-acute) of hydro-alcoholic extract of Portulaca oleracea (whole plant) in Swiss albino mice.
Methods: Acute oral toxicity study was carried out as per OECD 423 guidelines. The doses that were taken are 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg,1500 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg b. w. These doses were given once daily. The animals were observed for 72 hours. The parameters of behaviour were observed. The subacute toxicity of the hydro-alcoholic extract was also evaluated. The doses were 200 and 400mg/kg b. w, given daily only once for 14 days and the observations were made for hepatotoxicity the toxicity was assessed by estimating the serum liver function tests. The studies of acute and subacute toxicity were compared with the normal control groups.
Results: In acute oral toxicity study the animals showed different behavioural changes like grooming, hyperactivity, sedation, respiratory arrest, convulsions, increased and decreased motor activity and death. At the dose level of 500 mg/kg b. w, 50% of the animals died and at the dose levels of 1000,1500 and 2000mg/kg b. w, 100% of the animals died thereby indicating that the dose below than 500mg. kg b. w is safe for further pharmacological studies. In subacute studies, the dose of 400mg/kg b. w showed significant hepatic protection.
Conclusion: These observations indicate that the hydro-alcoholic extract of Portulaca oleracea (whole plant) at the dose level of 500 mg/kg can be used for further pharmacological activity and at the dose level of 400mg/kg have significant hepato protection.
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