Toxic effects of chloroform and aqueous extracts of Peganum harmala on hematological and growth parameters in rabbits

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the toxic effects of peganum harmala extracts on hematological and growth parameters using rabbit model. thirty five rabbits (1200-1700 g) of either sex were randomly divided into 3 groups d,e and f. the rabbits in group d were given p. harmala chloroform extract,while the members in group e were administered p. harmala water extract. the animals in group f were given normal saline. the groups d and e were further divided into three sub-groups of 5 each receiving 1,5 and 10 mg/ml of extract. blood samples from each rabbit were collected at day 0 (pre-medication),day 9 and day 30 (post-medication). feed efficiency and daily weight gain in group d3 and e3 on day 30,was significantly lower (p<0.05) compared to control group f. erythrocytes count in group d3 was significantly lower (p<0.05) than control group f on day 30. a non-significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in hemoglobin concentration and leukocyte count in rabbits of all treatments groups. it was concluded that parenteral administration of chloroform extract of p. harmala at 10mg/kg had more deleterious pronounced effect on growth rate and erythrocyte count in rabbits compared to aqueous extract of the plant. copyright 2013 zoological society of pakistan.