LAUSR

Sphaeranthus indicus is one of the extremely precious herbs in the Indigenous System of Medicine. The present study was carried out to acute, subacute and LD50 values of methanolic extract of S. indicus leaves in Swiss mice of both sexes. The acute toxicity studies were conducted oral administration of 1.75, 5.5, 17.5, 55, 175, 550, 2000mg/kg body weight SIME used. Observations were recorded systemically up to 24 h after dose administration for behavior related to nervous system response or autonomic functions. Food and water intake, body weight variations, hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed. In sub acute toxicity treatment there were no significant variation in the body weights and haematological parameters except dose-dependent increase in lymphocyte count was noted in both sexes supported immunostimulant activity. Pathologically, significant protective effect on hepatic, renal functions and decreased cholesterol, triglyceride levels. The results did not show any treatment related abnormalities in terms of hematological and biochemical parameters in sub-acute toxicity. After acute administration, no mortality was recorded in mice treated with the SIME orally at a dose of 1000mg/kg. The LD50 values were determined using graphical method; we found a broad therapeutic window and a high therapeutic index value showed that the LD50 of the extract is 2480mg/kg. The results suggest that the plant seems to be high margin of drug safety in mice.