Published Paper Details:

The present study aims to test the toxic effect of the bark extract of Ficus religiosa using three different solvents viz ethanol, acetone and benzene by examine the changes in behaviour, body weight, food intake, water intake, haematological parameters (WBC total count, WBC differential count, RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC and platelet count) and histological changes in the vital organs such as lungs, heart, liver and kidney. No behavioural changes or any toxic symptoms and mortality was observed throughout the experimental period. There is a slight changes in the body weight of the extract treated groups compared to control group rats as well as the food intake and water intake showed slight variations throughout the experimental period. The haematological parameters showed significant difference among the different extract treated rats and control rats, but the levels are not exceeded from the normal range. The macroscopic and microscopic examination of the vital organs such as lungs, heart, liver and kidney showed normal cell structures, blood vessels and nuclei. Thus the present study revealed that the ethanol, acetone and benzene extracts of Ficus religiosa bark did not produce any toxic effects at the high dose of 2000mg/kg body weight and is found to be safe. Thus it is concluded that the plant extract of Ficus religiosa bark upto 2000 mg/kg body weight was used for further evaluation studies.