Abstract

ACUTE ORAL TOXICITY STUDY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PUNICA GRANATUM (L.) LEAVES IN ZEBRA FISH (DANIO RERIO)

Sreedevi P. and Vijayalakshmi K.*

Abstract

The safety of Punica granatum (L.) leaf is important in relation to its medicinal application. In this study acute toxicity of ethanolic extract of Punica granatum (L.) leaf was investigated in Zebra fish (Danio rerio). The acute toxicity was performed as per OECD guidelines. A total of 40 Zebra fish were randomly divided into 4 groups. Group I (control) was administered orally with 5 μl of 1% dimethyl sulphoxide, Group II, III and IV were administered orally with a single dose of ethanolic extract of Punica granatum leaves at various concentrations, 200 mg, 600 mg and 1000 mg /kg bw respectively. The mortality rate was recorded every 24 hours up to 96 hours after administration of the extract. Body weight was noted before and after administration of the extract. After 4 days, blood was collected from anesthetized fish for hematological assay and organs (Liver, Kidney, Gills and Heart) were excised from sacrificed fish for histopathological studies. No fish was died during the entire study period. The median Lethal dose (LD50) of the ethanolic extract of the Punica granatum leaf may be above 1000 mg/kg body weight of Zebra fish. Increased in body weight was less in all treated groups when compared to control. Hematological parameters (differential count, red blood cell count, haematocrit and platelet count) and histopathological observation of Liver were significantly altered in Group IV fed with 1000 mg/kg bw when compared to control.

Keywords: EPGL, Zebra fish,Mortality rate, Haematology and Histopathology study.