Acute Toxicity Profiling of Combined Aqueous Extracts of Ficusracemosa and Azadirachtaindica

摘要

Ficus racemosa and Azadirachta indica have been recognized for their various curative properties and used in traditional medicines from time immemorial. The stem bark extract of Ficus racemosa is known to be a potent anti-inflammatory, memory-enhancing, anti-diabetic and anti-diuretic agent. Azadirachta indica leaf extract has been used extensively in the treatment of leprosy, epistaxis, intestinal worms, biliousness, eye problems and skin ulcers. Though the toxicity profiling of these individual plants have been studied, little is known about their toxicity when used in combination. Therefore, we aimed to study the acute toxicity of a combination of these plant extracts in female albino Wistar rats at a limit test of 2 and 5 g/kg body weight (b. wt.) according to the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) guidelines. Administration was restricted to a single oral dose. Behavioral changes, body and organ weights, hematological and biochemical parameters were analyzed. Results showed normal behavior and normal gain in body and organ weights in all the groups. Total WBC count was significantly reduced in both the treated groups. Blood chemistry was unchanged. No mortality was observed in any of the treated groups indicating that the LD_(50) value of the herbal mixture is above 5 g/kg b. wt.