Effect of petroleum ether extract from Hygrophila spinosa on hematological parameters and hepatorenal functions in mice.

Multiple doses of H. spinosa were administered, ip once in a week for 4 weeks (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight) and daily for one month (2, 4 and 8 mg/kg body weight). No alteration in biochemical parameters at low and moderate dose level of daily and low dose level of weekly treatment of petroleum ether extract was observed. However, the extract at moderate dose level in weekly treatment changed serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and plasma cholesterol significantly. High dose level of the extract changed all the above parameters of weekly treated mice including total bilirubin, nonprotein nitrogen, blood urea and plasma protein. High dose level of daily treatment and moderate and high dose level of weekly treatment of the root extract increased only the white blood cell count significantly. The results reveal that the weekly moderate and high dose (above 40 mg/kg body weight) and daily/therapeutic high dose (8 mg/kg) of the petroleum ether extract of H. spinosa affects liver and kidney functions and metabolism and hematological parameters whereas low weekly dose (20 mg/kg) and low and moderate daily/therapeutic dose (2 and 4 mg/kg) does not exhibit any appreciable toxic action.