Rana Datta, Sankhadip Bose

Abstract

Leaves of Pterospermum acerifolium (L) Willd (Sterculiaceae) is widely used as hemostatic and antidiabetic in Indian traditional medicine. Little data is available on its toxicological profile. Present study was carried out to ascertain the hematological toxicity of methanolic extract of leaves of Pterospermum acerifolium (MEPA) leaves after 90 days repeated administration in Wistar albino rats, in accordance with OECD Guideline 408. After acute toxicity studies, in sub-chronic toxicity study MEPA was administered orally to rats at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day for 90 consecutive days, and reversibility studies were carried out after 30 days. General clinical signs, mortality and hematological parameters were examined. MEPA does not cause mortality upon administration upto 2000mg/kg b.w. within the 14 days observation period, MTD of MEPA is more than 2000mg/kg b.w. (p.o.). Body weight changes were not significant in the 90 day study period. Compared to the control group there were no much changes in the hematological parameters in MEPA treatment rats. The lymphocyte percentage increased significantly (p<0.05) in the female rats receiving 1000 mg/kg p.o. MEPA. MEPA may induce thrombocytopenia in higher dose levels. However, the effects were reversible. Leaves of Pterospermum acerifolium is safe for sub chronic administration.