How should chamomile be given to a rat? - briefly
Give the rat a diluted chamomile extract (approximately 0.5–1 mL per 100 g body weight) via oral gavage once daily. Monitor the animal for adverse reactions and modify the dose if necessary.
How should chamomile be given to a rat? - in detail
Administering chamomile to a laboratory rat requires precise preparation, accurate dosing, and a suitable delivery route to ensure reproducibility and animal welfare.
First, select a standardized chamomile preparation. A dried‑flower extract with a known concentration of apigenin and other flavonoids provides consistency. If a liquid form is preferred, dissolve the extract in sterile distilled water or a mild vehicle such as 0.5 % methylcellulose to achieve a clear solution. Verify the concentration by spectrophotometric analysis or by referencing the supplier’s certificate of analysis.
Second, calculate the dose based on body weight. Common experimental protocols use 50–200 mg kg⁻¹ of dried‑flower extract, administered once daily. For a 250‑g rat, a 100 mg kg⁻¹ dose translates to 25 mg of extract, which corresponds to 0.5 mL of a 50 mg mL⁻¹ solution. Adjust the volume so that it does not exceed 1 mL to avoid gastric overload.
Third, choose the administration route:
- Oral gavage – ensures exact dose delivery. Use a flexible, stainless‑steel feeding needle (20 G, 1.5 in). Insert gently along the esophagus, dispense the calculated volume, and observe the rat for regurgitation.
- Incorporation into drinking water – suitable for chronic studies. Dilute the extract to achieve the target daily intake based on average water consumption (≈30 mL day⁻¹ for a 250‑g rat). Replace the solution every 24 h to maintain stability.
- Mixing with feed – appropriate when palatability is not an issue. Homogenize the extract into powdered chow, ensuring uniform distribution. Record the exact amount of feed offered to calculate intake.
Fourth, monitor the animal after each administration. Observe for signs of distress, changes in feeding behavior, or gastrointestinal upset. Record body weight and water/food consumption daily to detect adverse effects promptly. If any abnormality appears, reduce the dose by 25 % or discontinue treatment, following institutional animal care guidelines.
Finally, document all preparation steps, concentrations, and administration details in the experimental log. This record enables replication and facilitates comparison across studies.