Further observations on the toxicity of the oil of chenopodium

Abstract

As pointed out in a previous communication from this laboratory, the vegetable oils may decrease the toxicity of the oil of chenopodium. Observations made since these results were published, have amply corroborated our previous findings. Four tenths to 0.6 c.c. per kilo of the oil of chenopodium given by mouth to rabbits was fatal in 22 per cent. to 25 per cent, of the experiments while the mortality when this amount was given in acacia reached 78 per cent. Observations were also made on the effect of chenopodium on the action of the kidney under different conditions of diet. Albumin and casts were found in the urine after the administration of 04 to 0.6 c.c. oil of chenopodium per kilo with 15 c.c. cocoanut oil to rabbits receiving an oats diet. A small amount of albuminuria and casts were also found, however, after feeding the same amounts of the vegetable oils. This usually lasted 24 to 48 hours, while albuminuria and casts after oil of chenopodium persisted much longer. When oil of chenopodium was given in acacia similar results were obtained indicating that the glycerides do not protect the kidney against the irritating effect of oil of chenopodium. On the other hand, in experiments on rabbits which received carrots the results indicated a very marked protective action. Four tenths to 0.6 c.c. oil of chenopodium per kilo fed to rabbits on such a diet usually failed to indicate the presence of renal irritation. Albumin and casts seldom appeared in the urine especially when a sufficient amount of carrots was consumed. The functional efficiency as tested by the elimination of phenolsulphophthalein did not show any evidence of impairment in rabbits and dogs.