Toxicity assessment of the medicinal plant Cyathula prostrata.

Objectives: To evaluate the potential toxicity of methanolic extracts of the medicinal plant Cyathula prostrata. Methodology and results: Methanolic extract of C. prostrata (MECP) were evaluated at rates of 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg/bw to assess its impact on biochemical indices of Swiss albino mice. Hematological profile, biochemical assays, activities of liver marker enzymes, antioxidant potential and histopathological examinations were compared between control and experimental animals. The changes in biochemical parameters were statistically insignificant. The treated mice showed conspicuous toxic symptoms only after 150 mg/kg. These observations were supported by histopathological examination of liver and spleen sections. Conclusion and application of findings: These results demonstrate that the methanolic extract of Cyathula prostrata is not toxic and therefore it may be used safely in clinical trials.