Evaluation of convolvulus pluricaliswhole plants extract for its acute oral toxicity in albino rats

Background: Convolvulus pluricalis an herbal drug is known medicinal plant used extensively in the Indian system of medicine. In this regard to this several experiments has been conducted to know the LD50 and the actual effective (therapeutic) dose, but the results are inconsistent. Thus the acute oral toxicity study was carried out to find out the median lethal dose of the Hydro-Alcoholic extract whole plant extract of Convolvulus pluricalis, which will be used for further experiment to know its effective dose and the clinical trials. Objectives: The present study is carried out to evaluate the Hydro-alcoholic whole plant extract of Convolvulus pluricalis (HACP) for its acute oral toxicity in Albino rats. Methods: Acute oral toxicity of Hydro-Alcoholic whole plant extract of Convolvulus pluricalis was assessed in Albino rats with three doses of the extract at 175, 550 and 2000mg/kg bwt. The mortality, clinical signs & the body weight of the rats were recorded in 0 (prior to administration), 7th& 14th days. At the end of the observation period rats were sacrificed and studied for any histological changes in brain, heart, liver and kidney tissues. The results: Administration of HACP to the rats for 175, 550 &2000mg/kg bwt, were normal up to 1 hour and later on showed a sedative effect for the following 4 hours. Decreased motor activity was observed only in 550 &2000mg/kg bwt of HACP administered rats. All the animals appeared normal from day one to throughout the experimental procedure. No significant changes were seen in the histological structure of the brain, liver, kidney & heart. Conclusion: HACP signified as Nero- suppressant, the drug can be used in the treatment of neurological disorders characterized by hyperactivity of the neurons. The present data could provide adequate confirmation of the safety of CP for further experimental studies on a standardized formulation of the whole plant extract.