Résumé
Objective: To evaluate the acute toxicity effects of earthworm powder (EWP) obtained from Eudrillus euginae on wistar male rats. Methods: The animals are treated orally with EWP at the doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg bodyweight daily for 12 days. Results: There was no significant mortality and changes in body weight noticed at all the doses tested. No gross significant changes observed in the hematological indices (HB, RBC and WBC), Hepatic, serum markers (AST, ALT, ALP, and protein) and renal indices (Urea, Uric acid and Creatinine). The EWP did not show any significant effects in the clinical signs, behavioral changes and examined toxicological endpoints in experimental animals. The histopathological studies provide supports to the safety data of above parameter of EWP dosing. Conclusions: Thus, it can be inferred from the present study that EWP (Eudrillus euginae) is devoid of toxic effects in rats and suggested to utilize the EWP as novel medicine.