Acute Toxicity Study of the Total Alkaloids of Ruta montana in Male Mice

Abstract

Ruta montana commonly called Fidjel is known as medicinal plant which has been used as emmenagogue, antispasmodic, rubefiant and powder echarrotic in traditional Algeria medicine. Aim of the study: For the first time, this study evaluated the lethal dose 50 and the potential toxicity of alkaloid extract from aerial parts of Ruta montana after acute administration in male mice. Materials and methods: Lethal dose 50 of total alkaloid extract of Ruta montana was determined using Litchfield and Wilcoxon method, mice were received the alkaloid extract at doses of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 mg/kg (n=8/group) by intra-peritoneal route. Abnormal behavior, toxic symptom, and death were observed for 14 consecutive days. In acute toxicity a single intra-peritoneal administration of total alkaloid extracted from aerial parts of Ruta montana at 129.68 mg/kg (1/3 LD50). Body weight, biochemical and hematological parameters were recorded. Histopathological examination of liver and kidney were assessed.