Clinical and haematological studies on Cheilanthes farinosa and Onychium contiguum, and their combined effects in laboratory rats

Chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity of Cheilanthes farinosa and Onychium contigiuum ferns and their additive clinical effects were studied for 180 days in laboratory rats. Male, young albino rats (88) weighing about 120-160 g, were randomly divided into 4 groups 1-16 rats in control (group 1) and 24 each in 3 treatment groups, groups 2, 3 and 4. The rats were provided concentrate ration containing C. farinosa, O. contiguum at 30% w/w for groups 2 and 3, respectively, and C. farinosa and O. contiguum mixture each at 15% w/w for group 4. There was no mortality observed in fern fed and control rats throughout the experimental period. Significant decrease in the body weight was observed at 30 days post feeding (DPF) in group 3, 60 DPF in groups 3 and 4, 180 DPF in groups 4 and 2 as compared to group 1. On microscopic examination no appreciable pathological constituents and erythrocytes were seen in the urine in different groups and various intervals. Haemogram failed to show any changes except significant decrease in TLC at 180 DPF in groups 2, 3 and 4. Analysis of methanolic extract of Cheilanthes and Onychium ferns showed the presence of 0.20 and 0.68 mg ptaquiloside/kg of fern on dry weight basis respectively. It was concluded that mild types of clinical and haematological alterations were induced due to low level of ptaquiloside. Although differences in these 2 ferns were not appreciated but rats of mixture group showed some additive changes.