Razi Institute for Drug Research (RIDR) of Iran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services (IUMS)
Abstract
There is an increasing tendency for traditional medicine in the world.
Many people prefer to take herbal products instead of chemical
medicines. However, over consumption of herbal medicines has led to
many unpredictable side effects.One of these traditional medicines is
Citrullus colocynthis, which is used by diabetic patients as an
hypoglycemic agent, but it has been reported to cause gastrointestinal
disorders after consumption in some patients. Fifty rats were randomly
divided into five groups (4 experimental and 1 controls). In the
experimental groups a single daily dose of alcoholic extract of
Citrullus colocynthis (50, 100, 200, 400 g/kg) was
administered intraperitonally. Normal saline was administered in
control group. After two weeks, the rats were killed and the livers
were removed and fixed with formalin (10%). Specimens were then
processed and stained with H&E and Reticuline.The results indicated
that there is a morphological change in liver cells including
karyrrhexis, chromatolysis, and granulation of the cytoplasm.
Additionally, collagen and reticular fibers were evident in liver
parenchyma in high doses. Citrullus colocynthis can have toxic effects
on liver cells which may induce hepatocyte necrosis and liver fibrosis.
These effects were dose dependent. Further studies are necessary to
clarify the issue