Toxicity Status of Nano Powder of Stem Bark of <i>Bauhinia Variegata</i> Linn. on Experimental Animals

Abstract

The assumption that medicinal plants are less toxic or cause fewer adverse effects due to their natural composition is debatable. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the safety and toxicity of Nano Kanchanara stem bark powder (NKSP) on liver function. The oral acute toxicity of NKSP was conducted in accordance with OECD Guidelines 423 and was carried out with six (6) female Wistar albino rats, divided into two groups of three rats each. Test rats were orally administered a single dose of 2000 mg/kg of NKSP and were observed for changes in behavior and mortality for the next 14 days, while the Control Group was given feed and water ad libitum. The data obtained from the oral acute toxicity study indicated that there were non-significant (P<1.000) decreases in body weight of rats in the treatment groups of NKSP at 2000 mg/kg. There were no elevations in specific liver function enzymes, whereas there were increases in serum SGOT, SGPT, and albumin levels. Plasma total proteins and globulin, total bilirubin and serum creatinine were within the normal range. Albeit, hydropic changes and steatosis in liver lesions at NKSP 2000 mg/kg. The study suggests that oral administration of NKSP is safer at dose levels less than 2000 mg/kg/day.