Document Type : Research article
Authors
1
Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt
2
Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt.
3
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt
4
Animal and Poultry Management and Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62511, Egypt.
5
Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Cichorium intybus has a wide range of therapeutic uses. This study aimed to investigate the acute toxic effect of the sesquiterpene lactone-enriched fraction of C. intybus in Wistar rats, following the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guideline 423. Thirty healthy female rats were divided equally into three groups. The first one was control. The second and third groups received a single dose of chicory fraction 2000 and 3000 mg/kg b.wt., respectively. In the 1st week after dosing, results showed a marked reduction in weight gain in both treated groups, with the death of 50% of the rats receiving 3000 mg/kg b.wt. Behavior test results revealed that chicory fraction at 2000 mg/kg b.wt. had a distinct anxiolytic effect and increased locomotor activity, while the highest dose of chicory fraction had anxiogenic action. Statistically significant leucopenia accompanied by absolute lymphopenia, with reduction in serum hepatic transaminase at both doses, has been noticed. Besides the haemato-biochemical alterations induced by chicory fraction, the hepatic tissues showed congestion and leucocytic infiltration, with eosinophilic reaction, especially with the highest dose. The renal tissue exhibited congestion and features of nephrosis in the form of vacuolation and hyaline droplets. In conclusion, the maximum safety dose of Cichorium intybus sesquiterpene lactones-enriched fraction is 2000 mg/kg b.wt. as it has an anxiolytic effect. While the higher dose (3000 mg/kg b.wt.) has an anxiogenic effect, 50% mortality of rats, indicating a marked toxicological effect.
Key words: Cichorium intybus, sesquiterpene lactones, toxicity, rats.
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