Effect of Chrysanthemum indicum Aqueous Extract on Some Biochemical and Haematological Parameters in Albino Rats

Aims: The study was carried out to investigate the acute and sub-acute toxicity of Chrysanthemum indicum on albino rats.

Study Design: In-vivo acute toxicity, haematological and Biochemical effect of Chrysanthemum indicum.

Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Chemical Science Technology, Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Adamawa State, between October to December 2017.

Methodology: For acute toxicity, four groups of 3 male rats each were dosed orally with Chrysanthemum indicum aqueous extract at 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 mg/kg body weight, the animals were observed for mortality, clinical sign and gross pathological changes for a period of 14 days. For sub-acute toxicity and other parameters, four groups of five albino rats were equally dosed orally with 0 (control), 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg (experimental group) body weight of an aqueous extract of Chrysanthemum indicum for six (6) weeks. After, complete administration, the biochemical and haemological indices were investigated and determined appropriately.

Results: The aqueous extract of Chrysanthemum indicum was found to be safe at 4000mg/kg body weight in acute toxicity study. Results further showed that there are changes compared to control and group administered the extract in sub-acute toxicity study. In RBC, from 5.40 to 5.10, and MCV, from 78.00 to 82.30 which were significantly different (p<0.05) but non-significant decrease (p<0.05) was noticed in AST, albumin, and urea. However, the level Protein, (13.00 to 10.00) ALT, (7.00 to 5.00) ALP (15.00 to 10.25) bilirubin (13.00 to 10.00) and creatinine (88.00 to 84.00) significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the experimental groups when compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Although the acute toxicity of Chrysanthemum indicum suggests its safety at 4000 mg/kg body weight, however, the findings of sub-acute toxicity suggest that the therapeutic and herbal tea use of Chrysanthemum indicum plant is not safe especially when taken orally in high dose for a prolonged period of time.