Wistar rats

Manihot esculenta, also named cassava, is a plant widely used as food but also in traditional medicine to treat many diseases such as anemia. However, consumption of M. esculenta is limited by its content in cyanogenic glycosides. Few studies have evaluated the toxicity of M. esculenta leaves. This study aims to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of Artemia salina and the 28 days subchronic toxicity of M. esculenta leaves by oral administration of the extract to male Wistar rats. The A. salina assay showed that the alcoholic extract of M. esculenta presented some toxicity. The results of 28 days subchronic toxicity showed a significant increase in the relative weight of the liver. No changes in hematological parameters were observed apart from a significant increase in platelet number. Biochemical parameters such as SGOT, SGPT, glycemia, and ALP were not significantly changed. The histological sections showed no organ damage.

Rasamanikya is a herbo mineral preparation used extensively in Ayurvedic treatment. This is prepared using haratala (arsenic tri oxide) by the process of bhavana (wet trituration) and exposure to high temperature. This drug in minute quantities is said to be effective against respiratory ailments, skin diseases and fever. Rasamanikya was evaluated for safety in Wistar rats by sub acute (28 days) and chronic toxicity (90 days) studies. The test drug was given up to three times of its therapeutic dose orally. The test drug did not cause mortality or signs of toxicity in Wistar rats in both the studies. No major changes were observed with respect to hematology, and biochemical parameters. Post mortem of the animals did not reveal any gross pathology of internal organs. Histopathology changes observed in few groups were minimal and were of reversible type. Rasamanikya was found to be safe up to 54 mg/kg body weight in Wistar rats.