The acute toxicity test of the extract was done by up and down
method [in accordance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development (OECD) guidelines, 2001] using two
groups with three animals each as toxicity test groups. The suspension
of the extract was administered PO for the doses 250 and
2500mg/kg. Control animals received 10ml/kg of distilled water
PO. The animals were observed continuously for the initial 4 h
for behavioural changes and mortality, and intermittently for the
next 6 h and then again at 24 and 48 h after the administration
of the dose. The behaviour parameters observed were convulsion,
hyperactivity, sedation, grooming, and loss of righting reflex and
increased respiration.