Evaluation of some toxic effects of the glycoside convicine on albino rat

ABSTRACT

Isouramil [IU] is a glycone of the glycoside convicine isolated from faba beans [Vacia faba L.]. Convicine caused haemolytic crisis called Favism especially in patients deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. In the present study the experiments were performed to investigate the convicine effect on albino rats. Three groups of albino rats were used. The first group was kept as a control, the second and third group were given oral dose of convicine [2 mg/100g b.wt.] for 15 and 30 days, respectively. The results revealed that convicine caused significant decrease [P < 0.05] in red blood cells. R.B.Cs and hemoglobin content. The analysis of serum albumin/globulin ratio a showed significant decrease [P < 0.05]. There were significant increases [P < 0.05] in serum and tissue total protein, serum bilirubin, globulin and iron. The results showed that convicine when hydrolyzed to its haemoglobin aglycon isouramil caused the same signs similar in many respects to those observed in human metabolic disease [Favism]