Acute and subchronic toxicological study of senna in rodents Toxicología aguda y subcrónica de una pasta de sen en roedores

Abstract

Senna crude herbal paste, CIRUELAX®, laxative used in America and Spain, was administered by oral gavage to mice and rats once daily in doses from 2 to 10 g/kg for 7 days. LD50 was rated as higher than 10 g/kg. To determine subchronic peroral toxicity (SPT), rats were treated with 1, 2.7 and 6 g/kg of CIRUELAX® for 90 days. Body weight (BW) data and weights of liver, spleen, kidney, heart, gonads and lung were determined each week until 90th day. No decrease in weight gain was observed; males BW increased about 10% after 60 days. Liver and gonad relative weight in males and females, respectively, showed a slight increase at lower doses. Organs were free from discernible lesions. Microscopical examination showed no morphological changes. Rat males treated with CIRUELAX® showed blood hypokalemia. Potassium decreased about 25% after 90 days. Low doses of CIRUELAX® decreased WBC count in 19.61%. Monocytes count increased about five times after 90 days with 2.7 g/kg of CIRUELAX®. Absence of