, Riyadh M. Al-Ashban

Acute (24 h) and chronic (90 days) oral toxicity studies on Harpagohytum procumbens (Devil’s claw) capsules manufactured by Boiron (France), were carried out. Male and female mice were used as experimental model. Acute dosages were: 0.5, 1.0 and 3 g/kg while chronic dosage was 100 mg/kg per day of the capsule contents. All morphological, biochemical, haematological and spermatogenic changes, in addition to mortality, body weight changes and any change in vital organs were recorded. Histopathological investigations were done on vital organs. During acute toxicity experiment, mice treated with higher dose were found to have reduced locomotor activity as compared to the control animals. Biochemical studies showed reduction in blood glucose level of mice in the treatment groups as compared to the control. During chronic toxicity studies, both male and female mice in the treatment groups gained statistically significant weight which was similar and comparable to respective control groups. The water intake increased in the treatment as well as the control groups. One male animal was found to develop forelimb inflammation and snout alopecia during chronic toxicity studies. All other animals were normal and comparable to the control animals. There was no mortality of statistical significance observed in any group. Biochemical studies revealed a significant decrease in blood sugar levels and uric acid level of Devil’s claw treatment groups. A slight increase in the aspartat