Abstract:
The toxic effects of the leaves of Calotropis procera were evaluated by observing
abnormal changes in haematological, biochemical parameters and gross post-mortem
changes in rats. The leaf extract produced significant increase (P<O.05) in packed call
volume (PCV) but did not influence coagulation time. The extract also produced
hypoproteinaemia reflected as hypoalbuminaemia. Similarly the leaf extract also caused
elevation in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase.
Although the extract did not produce lesions in the heart, spleen and liver examined, the
increase in liver enzyme activities could be due to early liver damage.
