2.5. Chronic Toxicity Study. Theprotocol used for the chronic
toxicity study was approved by the Institution of Animal
Care and Use Committee, Department of Medical Sciences
as Permission no. 53-014. Wistar rats were randomized into
six groups, each with 15 male and 15 female rats. Four
experimental groups were administered the PPE suspension
orally at doses of 11, 110, 550, and 1100mg/kg/day for six
months. Two control groups received distilled water and
0.5% tragacanth solution orally at the volume of 10 mL/kg.
During the experimental period, animalswere observed daily
for general appearance and signs of toxicity. Body weight
and food consumption were measured weekly. At the end
of the study, animals were fasted overnight and were then
killed using diethyl ether inhalation. Blood samples were
collected from the posterior vena cava for hematological and
biochemical value measurements.