Experimental acute bracken fern toxicity in guinea pigs

In the present study, acute toxic effects of fresh green Bracken fern in guinea pigs was evaluated. A total number of 25 young male guinea pigs were divided into two groups (Bracken fern fed group (BFGr.): 15 and Control group (CGr.): 10). BFGr. was fed with concentrate ration @ 50 g and fresh green bracken fern @ 150 g/animal/day as fodder, while CGr. was served concentrate ration and green grasses as per above rates. Clinically, guinea pigs of BFGr. showed haematuria, emaciation, debility, dyspnoea, hindquarters weakness and unability to stand. Condition of these animals deteriorated and they died between 28 to 42 days post fern feeding. Fern fed dead animals showed significant decrease in body weight and increase in relative weight of brain, lungs, heart and kidneys. The lungs, liver, stomach, kidneys, small intestine, adrenals, mesenteric lymph node and urinary bladder showed marked congestion and ecchymotic haemorrhages particularly in stomach, intestines and urinary bladder. Histopathologically, haemorrhages were marked in mucosa of stomach and in lamina propria of urinary bladder. Lymphoid follicles in mesenteric lymph nodes were not appreciable and medullary sinuses were highly engorged. Spleen showed almost empty sinuses devoid of erythrocytes. Bone marrow of sternum and femur revealed oedema, engorgement, haemorrhages and marked depletion of myeloid elements. It was concluded that fresh green bracken fern caused acute severe toxicity in guinea pigs.