EFFECT OF ORAL ADMNISTRATION OF AQUEOUS LEAVES EXTACT OF CASSIA OCCIDENTALIS ON LIVER AND KIDNEY FUNCTIONS IN RATS

The toxicological effect of aqueous leaf extract of Cassia occidentalis Linn plant in rats was studied. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea and creatinine were measured 14 days after oral administration. No significant rise (P>0.05) in activity of ALT, AST, ALP and the concentrations of urea and creatinine were recorded at the 300, 600, and 900mg/kg body weight doses administered. Histopathological analysis revealed no cellular death, necrosis or inflammation of the liver and kidney. The leaves of this plant are thus found to be safe with no adverse effect on the liver and kidney functions at the doses administered