Effects ofSolanum Malacoxylon extract on rachitic chicks

Abstract
A comparative study of the effects of vitamin D3 and of a partially purified extract ofSolanum malacoxylon has been carried out in rachitic chicks. Vitamin D3 andSolanum malacoxylon increased intestinal calcium absorption and serum calcium levels. They normalized the bone water and ash content. Vitamin D3 produced an increase of serum phosphate whileSolanum malacoxylon further decreased the already low phosphate values. Vitamin D3 significantly increased the body weight increment of rachitic chicks, butSolanum malacoxylon did not. It appears thatSolanum malacoxylon duplicates certain actions of vitamin D but lacks its phosphate-regulating and growth-promoting actions.