Evaluation of Subacute Toxicity of Aqueous Extract of Crocus sativus L. Stigma and Petal in Rats

The subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of Crocus sativus stigma and petal were studied in rats. Separate groups of animals were given daily intraperitoneal doses of aqueous extract of stigma (0.16, 0.32 and 0.48 g/kg) and petal (1.2, 2.4 and 3.6 g/kg) for two weeks. Blood samples and selected organs were prepared for biochemical, hematological and histopathological experiments. Significant reduction of RBC, HCT and Hb were recorded with all doses of two extracts. Stigma extract did not have any deleterious effect on organs. However, petal extract induced necrosis in liver and lung cells. The results indicated that petal and stigma extracts caused normochromic normocytic anemia and petal extract induced toxic effects on liver and lung.