Histopathologic effects of Carthamus tinctorius on the brain liver and kidney of the new born mice

The flowers of the plant Carthamus tinctorius L are used to provide color and flavor in the food industry. They are cheaper than saffron and therefore water extract of these flowers is used instead of saffron. In addition it helps the regulation of menstrual bleeding. However the side effects of this plant have not been investigated in lactation periods in mice offspring. This study was designed to investigate the eventual effects of this plant on brain liver kidney and abnormalities in mice offspring. The pregnant mice were divided into four groups of eight animals. After delivery group 1 was treated with distilled water as control and group 2 to 4 were treated with Carthamus tinctorius extracts administered daily for 25 days intraperitoneally in doses of 10 20 and 40 mg/kg respectively. The hematological parameters were measured in the end of experimental period. Tissue specimens of the liver kidney and brain of male offspring were examined after staining with hematoxyline –eosin. Carthamus tinctorius L extract showed no significant effect in the Hb Hct RBC and WBC levels. Mild to severe tissue injuries were found in these histopathological studies of liver kidney and brain in extract treated offspring.. The results of this study indicates that extract of Carthamus tinctorus L is toxic and causes hepatic renal and brain tissue damages.