Suman Swaraj*
Department of Zoology, B.N.Mandal University, Madhepura, Bihar, India
Received : 6th December, 2019 ; Revised :15th February, 2020
Abstract : Derived from meadow-saffron plant Colchicum autumnale, colchicine is an alkaloid of high potential also called mitotic poison. It is a powerful inhibitor of somatic cell multiplication in mitotically active tissues and organs like liver thereby causing significant hepatotoxicity. In the present article effect of toxic doses of colchicine injected intraperitonially in the albino rats for longer period on the liver functions has been biochemically assayed through standard LFT (liver function tests) package which includes AST(Aspertate aminotransferase test), ALT(Alanine aminotransferase), and ALP(Alkaline phosphatase). Prolonged injection of colchicine resulted in increased concentration
of these liver enzymes (AST, ALT& ALP) in the blood of the treated rats. These changes have also led to histopathological abnormalities in the liver such as hepatocyte necrosis, inflammation of central hepatic vein & development of prominent cytoplasmic vacuoles.
