Toxicity to Bovans Chicks ofCassia italicaSeeds

Abstract

A toxicity study was made on Sudanese C. italica used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diverse ailments. C. italica seeds were fed to 7-day-old Bovans chicks at 10% and 2% of the diet for 6 weeks. Decreased body weight and efficiency of feed utilization and enterohepatonephrotoxicity were observed in chicks fed the 10% Cassia seed diet. These changes accompanied by anaemia were correlated with alteration in serum GGT, LDH and CK activities and concentrations of total cholesterol, copper, zinc, iron, total iron binding capacity and other serum constituents and hepatic trace elements. Organ lesions did not completely disappear 3 weeks after removal from the test diet. Two percent Cassia seed diet promoted the chicks' growth.