Effect of Ampelopteris prolifera fern on clinical and haemato-biochemical parameters in guinea pigs

Experimental study with feeding of Ampelopteris prolifera fern @15% and 30% in concentrate ration mixture was conducted in 18 guinea pigs for a period of 30 days. The guinea pigs were divided into 3 groups with 6 animals in each, viz. group-A (control), group- B (T-I @15% w/wfernfeeding) and (T-II @30% w/w fern feeding). Fern fed guinea pigs showed significant decrease (P<0.01) in body weights at 30^th day in both the treated groups. Haemogram revealed significant decrease (P<0.05 and P<0.01) in TEC and TLC values in T-I group at 30^th day whereas the values of Hb, neutrophil, TEC, PCV and TLC were significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01) reduced in T-II group as compared to those of control at 30^th day. Significant lymphocytosis, eosinophilia along with increase in values of ESR were observed in T-II group compared with those of the control and T-I groups. Biochemical parameters revealed significant hypoproteinemia at 30^th day in T-II group whereas significant increased levels in serum enzymes like SGOT and SGPT were noticed in T-II group at 30^th day as compared to T-I group and controls. It was concluded that A. prolifera fern was mild to moderately toxic @ 15% and 30% levels, respectively for guinea pigs.