Assessment of Sub Chronic Toxicity of Sonchus cornutus in Rats

Aim: To assess the toxicity of the aqueous extract of Sonchus cornutus in Wistar albino rats. Methodology: The aqueous extract of Sonchus cornutus aerial part was administered orally to rats in group 2, 3 and 4 at a dose of 50, 500 and 2000 mg/ kg, respectively for four weeks whereas, group 1 was kept as a control. The animals were observed daily for clinical signs and mortality. Weekly, the weights of the animals were recorded, and blood samples were collected for haematological and biochemical analysis. Specimens of Liver and kidney were kept in 10% formalin for histopathology. Results: The results revealed that all the animals in the four groups survived. The extract had no adverse effects on haematology, biochemistry and histology of rats at doses of 50 and 500 mg/ kg. But dose 2000 mg/kg proved to have significant alteration in White blood cells (WBCs), Red blood cells (RBCs), Haemoglobin (Hb) and Packed cell volume (PCV). In addition, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, Alanin Transaminase (ALT), Asparate Transaminase (AST) were significantly (P<0.05) changed. These findings correlated with the histopathological changes on liver and kidney. Conclusion: The highest dose of S. cornutus aqueous extract (2000 mg/kg) was not fatal, but may have some toxic effects on liver and kidney.