Effects of chronic oral administration in mice of the gut-stimulating crystals of Croton penduliflorus seed oil

• Published in: Journal of ethnopharmacology Vol. 30; no. 2; pp. 135 - 143
• Main Authors: Asuzu, I.U, Shetty, S.N, Anika, S.M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland 01.09.1990
• Subjects: Abortifacient Agents - pharmacology; Administration, Oral; Animals; Body Weight - drug effects; Cathartics - pharmacology; cotton; diarrhea; Drug Administration Schedule; Erythrocytes - cytology; Feces; Female; Intestines - drug effects; laxatives; Leukocyte Count - drug effects; Male; Mice; Plant Extracts - administration & dosage; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Plant Extracts - toxicity; Plant Oils - administration & dosage; Plant Oils - pharmacology; Plant Oils - toxicity; Pregnancy; Seeds - analysis; traditional medicine
• ISSN: 0378-8741; 1872-7573
• DOI: 10.1016/0378-8741(90)90002-B

Crystals from Croton penduliflorus seeds (CPC) were administered at weekly intervals in two doses (7 mg/kg and 21 mg/kg) by gastric intubation to mice over 12 weeks. CPC induced purgation in the treated mice, with the higher dose having a more profound effect. Mice treated with CPC developed skin lesions with swollen scrotums. There were significant changes in the PCV, Hb and plasma proteins of treated mice. Gangrene of the tail with subsequent sloughing was observed, particularly in the low dose group. Mice in the low dose group also experienced retarded growth. A significant clinical finding in the treated mice was abortion during late pregnancy and 100% fetal mortality. It was concluded that, apart from its purgative effect, CPC can cause toxic effects in chronic administration. Use in pregnant women should be discouraged.