Chronic toxicity studies: Effects of Urtica urens Linn. on hematological, biochemical and histo-pathological parameters in albino rabbits

The purpose of this research work was to explore chronic toxicity data on Urticaurens Linn (U. urens). To achieve this purpose 25 mg/kg/day dose of U. urens was given orally to test group albino rabbits (both sexes; UM: male test group treated with U. urens; UF: female test group treated with U. urens) for threemonths. The blood was collected by cardiac puncture and evaluation of hematological, blood and urine biochemistry of male and female test groups were carried out by comparing with their standard control groups respectively. Histo-pathological examination of heart, liver, kidney and stomach tissues of male test group (UM) was carried out with reference to the male control group. Platelet count was found significantly raised (p0.01) in both sexes test groups. Urea level was (p0.01) lowered in female test group while (p0.01) raised in male test group as compared to their respective control groups. Significant elevation and depression (p0.01) of cardiac enzymes and lipid profile parameters were observed in both test groups on comparison with their control groups. SGOT and alkaline phosphatase levels were (p0.05) lowered in female test group whereas; (p0.01) depressed in male test group as matched with their control groups. Gamma GT was found (p0.01) elevated in female test group and (p0.05) lowered in male test group. No noteworthy changes were observed in urine parameters of male and female test groups except for the presence of blood in male test group urine. No significant histo-pathological changes were found in stomach, heart and liver tissues; while acute tubular necrosis was observed in male test group in comparison to male control group. Our results affirm the safe and effective use of U. urens if taken in prescribed dose and for recommended time period.