In order to investigate the effects of bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) on animals, a total of 105 mice given a ration containing different percentage of bracken fern were studied pathologically during the experimental period of 90 days. The results obtained were as follow:
1. Mice in the group, given a ration containing 15% of bracken fern, showed 85% of death rate in 90 days, and mice in the group, given a ration containing 25% of it, showed 100% in 30 days
2. The experimental mice showed decreased myeloid cells and significant reduction in erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes.
3. Severe congestion and hemorrhages were observed in lungs, liver, kidney, spleen, stomach, intestine, brain, adrenal and testis from the ones that died during the experimental period, but the necropsies of the latter period indicated mild chanties comparatively.
4. Mice in the group, given a ration containing 15% blacken fern showed a decreasing tendency in body weight.
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