Toxicity study of tikshna Shodhan Dravya-Snuhi (Euphorbia neriifolia) latex in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Euphorbia neriifolia commonly known as Snuhi is considered a poisonous plant and classified under Upvisha (less virulent poison). In Raj Nighantu, Snuhi Ksheer ( latex of Euphorbia neriifolia) is indicated in Prameha/Madhumeha. Because it is a poison,so, it should be used very carefully. It is indicated in many diseases but their scientific toxicological effects are still unknown. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the toxicity ofTikshna Shodhan Dravya-Snuhi (Euphorbia neriifolia) latex in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.The experimental model used for the toxicity study was a streptozotocin induced diabetic model in male Wistar rats. Biochemical parameters like aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were highly increased and nodules were found in liver in Shodhit Snuhi Ksheer (SSK) control rats.However, AST and ALT levels were not increased in diabetic control groupas well as SSK treated diabetic rats, and no nodule was found in these groups. Maximum ameliorating effect was seen at higher dose (1850 mg/ kg) compared to lower dose (925 mg/ kg). Hence, it can be concluded that Snuhi (Euphorbia neriifolia) latexis hepatotoxic in normal rats but non-toxic in diabetic rats which justifies the Ayurvedic recommendation for usage of this medicine in treatment of diabetes.