Subacute toxicity of Basalin in rats.

Basalin, a herbicide, was administered orally to male rats at doses ranging from 60 mg to 1.92 g/kg for 13 weeks. Oral LD50 of the compound was 1.65 g/kg. Toxic effects included hyperexcitability and tremors. The cumulative lethal dose (CLD50) at the end of week 13 was 135 mg/kg with a cumulative toxicity factor (CTF) of 12.22. At 1.92 g/kg, no animals survived to 13 weeks. At 60 and 120 mg/kg, there were no significant changes in body weight gain compared with the controls and a significant decrease in total leukocyte count (TLC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and Hb was observed. There was a decrease in spermatogenesis and infiltration of mononucleated cells in the liver.