Evaluation of the toxicological effects of Senecio aureus extract on the liver and hematological parameters in wistar rats

The use of senecio aureus for therapeutic purposes is well known; however,in recent times,much concern has been raised regarding the toxicity of this plant extract used in treatment of gynecological disorders and jaundice. the sub-chronic oral toxicity of senecio aureus was investigated. 16 male wistar rats were divided into four groups: control and treatments (100,300 and 500 mg/kg body weight). each group received the graded dose of the extract by gavage daily for 28 days while control received water. the administration of the extract resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) increased total bilirubin and cholesterol and level from 29.14±1.18mg/dl and 83.00±7.16 mg/dl in the control to 53.19±6.11mg/dl and 166.67±14.03mg/dl,respectively,at dose of 500 mg/kg body weight. in the hematological analysis,there were no significant changes compared to the control group (p < 0.05). the present result suggests that the prolonged use of this plant extract at high dose in the treatment of diseases could be detrimental to the liver.