TOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF CROTALARIA-JUNCEA SEEDS IN RATS

The effect of the ethanolic extract of Crotalaria juncea Linn. (Legumi nosae) seeds has been assessed on liver, kidney, spleen and adrenals o f adult rats. Results revealed that its administration at a dose of 20 0 mg/kg caused significant alterations. Wet weight of the organs was r educed. Protein and glycogen contents in all the organs were decreased significantly, whereas, the activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase was increased. Histology revealed remarkable disintegration necrosis and degeneration in the liver. Renal tubular cells showed degeneration and exfoliation. Adrenals showed hypertrophy in the region of zona gl omerulosa. In the spleen the number of megakaryotic cells and lymphocy tes was increased. Administration of the extract therefore not only da maged the liver but other vital organs too were also affected.