Toxicity of the Aqueous Extract of Colocynth Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad on laboratory rat Rattus norvigicus

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the acute toxicity of the aqueous-extract of colocynth (Hanzal) Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad, using albino laboratory rats Rattus norvigicus as laboratory experimental animals. Five dosage levels were selected according to preliminary screening tests. These were 90, 180, 225, 270 and 315 mg. They were administered orally through intubation to each group of albino rats. The treated rats were observed for 24 hr for acute toxicity symptoms. Death almost occurred between 1 – 18 hrs after the treatment. Corrected mortalities were 0, 33.3, 50, 66.7 and 100 corresponding to the above mentioned dosage levels respectively. The mean oral LD50 was determined through probit analysis, it was found to be 2402 mg/kg body weight. Symptoms of toxicity were severe anorexia, diarrhoea, difficulty in breathing, inability to stand upright, collapse, muscles atrophy and death