Toxicity studies of Calycopteris floribunda Lam. in calf, rabbit and rat.

The toxicological evaluation of the plant Calycopteris floribunda Lam. was done in calf, rabbit and rat. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and saponins. Morbidity and mortality was observed in methanol extract-treated rats and rabbits. In rabbits (25 g/kg/day) and calves (35 g/kg/day) fed fresh leaves showed morbidity and mortality with premonitory clinical signs like depression, downer status, polyuria and characteristic forelimb paresis (seen only in rabbits). The serum urea, alanine-amino transferase, glucose and total cholesterol concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) increased compared to control values. Necropsy of calves revealed the congestion of liver, lung and petechiae on epicardium. The present study indicated the toxic nature of the plant in calf, rabbit and rat.