Abstract

Cassia fistula L. (Caesalpiniaceae) is used in folk medicine for abdomeninal cramps, glands, liver, stomach and throat cancer, carcinomata, impostumes of the uterus, aperient, astringent, laxative purgative and vermifuge, burns, constipation, convulsions, delirium, diarrhea, dysuria, epilepsy, gravel, hematuria, pimples and glandular tumors. Hippophae rhamniodes (Elaeagnaceae) is used for nutritional purposes. This study was designed for the preliminary phytochemical screening and acute toxicity tests of C. fistula and H. rhamniodes as there is a lack of acute toxicity data available so far for both of these plants, although, they are extensively used in folk medicine. Phytochemical investigation of plant samples determines that alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones, coumarins, flavonoids, tannins and glycosides were present in both plants except coumarins, which were absent inH. rhamniodes. The acute toxicity was studied in albino mice. Plant extracts at dose of 1, 3 and 10 g/kg to three test groups and normal saline at a dose of 10 ml/kg to a negative control group of albino mice were given. The extracts of both plants were found to be safe up to the dose of 10 g/kg. The results indicate that the studied plants presents potential for many pharmacological studies with high safety profile.

Key words: Toxicity test, Cassia fistula, Hippophae rhamniodes.