Abstract:
Although the seeds and / or oil of R.communis have been reported to be highly toxic, these seeds
are being used in nursing women to increase the flow of milk. There is therefore a need to generate
data on the biochemical and haematological profiles. Four potencies (3x, 6x, 12x and 30x) of this
drug were administered orally in daily doses of 0.1 ml, 0.2 ml and 0.5 ml/rat for 14 days. The
biochemical and haematological profiles of animals were studied on 21st and on 28th day during
post -treatment period. Preliminary studies carried out with 4 potencies of R. communis on
biochemical ( serum glucose, serum cholesterol , serum triglycerides, serum total protein, serum
albumin, serum urea and serum SGOT and serum SGPT levels) and on haemotological (haemoglobin,
total R.B.C. and W.B.C and differential leucocytes counts) profiles showed variable effects of different
potencies of R. communis but mostly within the normal range of healthy animals. Only one rat in
12x potency group showed spear/spindle shaped R.B.C. with very less haemoglobin content. Further
study is needed to confirm the effect of 12x potency on haematological profiles. The effects of R.
communis significantly reduced on body weights of rat while on while no apparent difference in
behaviour of animals was observed during and 14 days post-treatment.
