Acute oral toxicity evaluation of aqueous ethanolic extract of Saccharum munja Roxb. roots in albino mice as per OECD 425 TG

BACKGROUND: S. munja roots have been used in ethno medicines for the treatment of different ailments. Despite its beneficial uses no studies on its toxicity potential have been reported. OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to evaluate acute toxic potential of aqueous ethanolic extract of S. munja roots according to OECD TG No. 425. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Female mice were divided into two groups (n = 5). One group served as control while the other as treated group that received 2000 mg/kg b.w. of S. munja roots ethanolic extract orally. Then both groups were observed for 14 days. Then the blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture, under chloroform general anesthesia and were subjected to hematological and biochemical analyses. The vital organs of anesthetized animals were preserved for histopathological examination. RESULTS: The the data revealed that LD(50) of the extract was greater than 2000 mg/kg b.w. There was no significant alteration found in body weight and organ to body mass index. In comparison with control group, there was significant increase in levels of ALT, AST, total proteins, globulin levels, serum urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, platelet count, MCV, MCH, WBC count and lymphocytes whereas ALP and MCHC levels were reduced significantly. CONCLUSIONS: From the data obtained in this study, It can be concluded that though LD(50) is greater than 2000 mg/kg b.w. but moderate toxicity signs appeared in liver, kidney, lipid profile and CBC also showed blood dyscresias at limit dose.