Phytomedicines have potentially used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and other metabolic disorders. Herbal safety is very crucial especially of their chronic use in any problem. This study was conducted to investigate the effective and safe dose of Cinnamomum cassia bark. Thirty healthy male rabbits were divided into three groups; 2 test groups and control group C. Powder of C. cassia bark was mixed in distilled water and administered to the test groups 1 and 2 at the dose of 25 mg/Kg and 50 mg/Kg respectively for three months, whereas control group (n=10) received distilled water. At the end of dosing, blood samples were obtained to determine biochemical and hematological parameters such as liver enzymes, cardiac enzymes, complete blood count (CBC), blood glucose HbA1c, kidney function test, electrolytes and lipid profile. Histopathological examination of heart, kidney, stomach and liver tissues were performed to find its toxic effects. The dose of 50 mg/kg of C. cassia bark powder caused 45.39 % and 55.4% increase in the level of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) alkaline phosphatase (ALP) respectively. Bilirubin levels, CBC, electrolytes and hematological indices (hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell RBC, hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), Leukocyte and Platelet count) were in normal range. HbA1c reading of the treated animal with 25 mg/kg of C. cinnamon showed 5.9 ± 0.08% decrease as compared with control as 7.5 ± 0.21%. Test group 2 showed significantly increased the level of LDH value as 284.7 % than the control. Test group 1 and 2 showed significantly higher urea level as 87.16% and 63.39% respectively than the control and creatinine level showed in normal range. Doses of 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg of cinnamon bark exhibited significant reduction in the cholesterol HDL ratio i.e. 22.5% and 14.14 % respectively as compared to control. Test group 2 produced significant reduction in cholesterol and triglycerides level as 27% and 12.06%. The level of LDL was reduced by cinnamon bark at the doses of 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg as 18.72% and 23.28%. Histopathological analysis showed noticeable changes in the tissues of animal of test group 2 showed such as Photomicrograph from heart, kidney and liver tissues showed conjugated architecture of cardiac muscles, shrinkage in renal tubule and swallowed hepatocytes respectively. This study generates the evidence to substantiate the traditional use of C. cassia bark in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and regulation of blood sugar. The dose of 25 mg/kg of C. cassia bark showed more safe in prolonged use. Further future studies are recommended to focus the toxicity related with its each phytoconstituent.

Keyword: Cinnamomum cassia, hepatic enzymes, lipid profile, cardiac enzymes, electrolytes