ACUTE TOXICITY STUDIES OF PETROLEUM ETHER, METHANOL AND AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF NIGELLA SATIVA

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to test the acute oral toxicity of the different extracts of the plant Nigella sativa. Acute toxicity of petroleum ether, methanol and aqueous extracts of Nigella sativa was evaluated in Swiss mice. The acute toxicity studies were carried out based on OECD guidelines 423. The animals were administered orally with a single dose of 100, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 2000 mg/kg body weight of each extract. Signs of toxicity and mortality were noted after 1, 4 and 24 h of administration of the extract for about 14 days. The highest dose administered (2000 mg/kg body weight) do not produce mortality or changes in general behaviour of the test animals. These results indicate the safety of the oral administration of petroleum ether, methanol and aqueous extracts of Nigella sativa.