Evaluation of the toxic potential of standardized extracts (hot water extract and cold ethanolic extract) of Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. aerial parts

Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. is one of the medicinal plants that is often used in Sri Lankan traditional systems of medicine for the preparation of formulations to treat a variety of disease conditions. However, the toxic effects of T. cucumerina are not known. The aims of the present study were to (a) standardize hot water (HWE) and cold ethanolic (CEE) extracts of T. cucumerina aerial parts, and (b) evaluate toxic potential of the plant extracts. Both extracts were standardized by developing their densitograms and HPLC fingerprints and determination of physico - chemical parameters such as total ash, water soluble ash and acid insoluble ash. Administration of the HWE or CEE to mice did not result in acute or chronic toxic effects as evident from their effects on (a) liver and kidney functions and (c) hematological parameters and (d) fertility of male or female mice. In conclusion, the results of this study have revealed that standardized extracts of T. cucumerina at the doses tested do not produce any serious toxic side effects.