Abstract
Isouramil (IU) is a glycone of the glycoside convicine isolated from faba beans (Vacia faba L.). Convicine produced a hemolytic crisis termed favism especially in patients deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. In the present study experiments were performed to investigate the effects of covicine on Sprague–Dawley rats. Three groups of albino rats were used including control, the second and third group were given oral dose of convicine (2 mg 100 g b. wt.−1) for 15 and 30 days, respectively. Convicine produced significant decreases in red blood cell counts and hemoglobin content. The serum albumin/globulin ratio was significantly decreased. There were significant increases in serum and liver total protein, serum bilirubin, globulin, and iron levels. Data indicate that convicine produced similar alterations in blood as observed in human metabolic disease (favism).