The toxicity of Indigofera enneaphylla L. in rats

Abstract

The inclusion of 50% of dried Indigofera enneaphylla in the diet arrested the growth of young male albino rats, caused incoordination of their limbs, and was fatal to them.

Microscopic evidence of liver cellular abnormality was consistently observed in rats fed on the plant.

Chemical analysis of I. Enneaphylla indicated the presence of combined G-nitropropionic acid, paralleling the findings of other workers in respect of I. Spicata, which, in addition, produced liver lesions.

Dried I. Enneaphylla contained about 12 p.p.m. of α-tocopherol. According to haemolysis tests, the poisoned rats were not deficient in vitamin E. The administration of liberal doses of α-tocopheryl acetate did not counteract the poisoning.

In preliminary experiments, dosing with L-arginine appeared to be partially protective against poisoning by I. Enneaphylla. Autoclaving the dried plant, according to a single feeding trial, resulted in loss of toxicity.