Assessment of Neurobehavioral Toxicity of Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f) Ettingsh in Rats by Functional Observational Battery after a Subacute Exposure

The hemi-parasitic plant Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f) Ettingsh (Loranthaceae) of the order Santalales, is used ethnomedicinally for treating ulcers, asthma, impotence, paralysis, skin diseases, and wounds. The aerial parts are also used in menstrual troubles, psychic disorders, pulmonary tuberculosis, consumption and mania by the tribal of India. In this context, the plant requires the validation of any potential toxicity before therapeutic promotion. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the neurobehavioral toxicity of the hydroalcoholic extract from D. falcata growing on the host plant Azadirachta indica, after subacute exposure. The LD50 was assessed in female wistar rats and was found to be 4550mg/kg by oral route. The plant extract was administered in three different doses i.e. 250mg/kg, 475mg/kg and 950mg/kg body weight/day for a period of four weeks. At the end of the exposure, behavioural and functional parameters were assessed in a functional observational battery (FOB) and motor activity was measured in an open field. A decrease in the arousal level was observed in experimental groups. Also, the total number of urine spots increased in a dose dependent manner for extract treated groups. Our results suggest that hydroalcoholic extracts from aerial parts of D. falcata should be relatively free from any serious neurobehavioral toxicity and safe to use.