28-Day oral toxicity study of the aqueous extract from spider brake (Pteris multifida Poiret) in rats

A review of natural plant extracts in beverages: Extraction process, nutritional function, and safety evaluation

The demand for foods and beverages with therapeutic and functional features has increased as a result of rising consumer awareness of health and wellness. In natural, plants are abundant, widespread, and inexpensive, in addition to being rich in bioactive components that are beneficial to health. The bioactive substances contained in plants include polyphenols, polysaccharides, flavonoids, aromatics, aliphatics, terpenoids, etc., which have rich active functions and application potential for plant-based beverages. In this review, various existing extraction processes and their advantages and disadvantages are introduced. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, intestinal flora regulation, metabolism regulation, and nerve protection effects of plant beverages are described. The biotoxicity and sensory properties of plant-based beverages are also summarized. With the diversification of the food industry and commerce, plant-based beverages may become a promising new category of health functional foods in our daily lives.

Evaluation of Acute and Subacute Toxicity and LC-MS/MS Compositional Alkaloid Determination of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin and Clemants Flowers

Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin and Clemants is a medicinal plant that has traditionally been used to cure a range of diseases. There has been no thorough investigation of the potential toxicity of this plant. The objective of this study is to assess the acute and subacute toxicity of D. ambrosioides hydroethanolic extract (DAHE), as well as it alkaloids composition, utilizing LC-MS/MS analysis. An in silico approach was applied to determine pharmacokinetic parameters and to predict the toxicity of D. ambrosioides identified alkaloids. A 14-day treatment with a single oral dose of 1–7 g/kg was carried out to investigate acute toxicity. DAHE was given orally at dosages of 5, 50, and 500 mg/kg for 15 days in the subacute toxicity investigation, and body weight and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Livers, kidneys, lungs, and heart were examined histologically. Chromatographic investigation revealed the existence of nine alkaloids, with N-formylnorgalanthamine being the most prevalent. The oral LD₅₀ value of DAHE was found to be 5000 mg/kg in an acute toxicity study. No variations were observed with respect to food intake, water consumption, mortality, or body and organ weight in the subacute toxicity study. On the other hand, DAHE (500 mg/kg) significantly enhanced alanineaminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and urea. Liver and kidney histological examinations revealed modest infiltration of hepatocyte trabeculae by inflammatory cells in the liver and slight alteration in the kidney histoarchitecture. According to our findings, DAHE exhibits low to moderate toxicity.

Heliconia rostrata rhizomes mitigate chemical-induced liver injury by debilitating oxidative stress in HepG2 cells and rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Heliconia rostrata Ruiz and Pav. belongs to the family Heliconiaceae. Plant was traditionally used to cure jaundice, intestinal pain, diabetes and hypertension.

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT

Present study evaluated hepatoprotective efficacy of ethanol (REE) and methanol (RME) extracts of H. rostrata rhizomes in HepG2 cell lines and rats. Antioxidant efficacy of extracts was determined using ex vivo and in vivo methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Before conducting efficacy studies, safety of REE and RME was established using toxicity studies which included Oral acute-fixed dose toxicity using OECD TG420, 28-days repeated dose oral toxicity by OECD TG407 and cytotoxicity studies by brine shrimp lethality (BSL) bioassay and MTT assay taking HepG2 cell line. Ex vivo (Extracts: 0-250 μg/ml) and in vivo (Extracts: 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) antioxidant studies were performed on fresh goat liver and rats (N = 45) of either sex, respectively. In vitro hepatoprotective efficacy of extracts was evaluated against ethanol induced toxicity in HepG2 cell line. In vivo study was performed at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day doses in rats by CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity study.

RESULTS

No mortality was observed during single and repeated dose toxicity studies. 50% lethal dose >2000 mg/kg, confirmed category 5 toxicity level of extracts, according to Globally Harmonized System. No signs of toxicity and treatment or dose related changes recorded in rats under repeated dose toxicity study. No-observed-adverse effect-level of 200 mg/kg/day was observed for both extracts. Median lethal concentration of REE and RME were 1291.30 and 1045.89 μg/ml, respectively in BSL bioassay and 50% cytotoxicity concentration >1000 μg/ml was obtained for both extracts from MTT assay. Calculated 50% inhibitory concentration and median effective dose of extracts obtained from different antioxidant assays in ex vivo and in vivo antioxidant studies, respectively indicated REE has more antioxidant efficacy than RME. In in vitro hepatoprotective efficacy study, extracts demonstrated dose dependent protection against ethanol induced hepatotoxicity. At 400 μg/ml, REE and RME demonstrated percentage protection of 65.53% and 57.98%, respectively. Results of liver function test and histopathological evaluation of liver in in vivo hepatoprotective study confirmed dose dependent protection provided by the extracts against CCl₄ -induced hepatotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

Both REE and RME were found safe to be considered for therapeutic uses. Both REE and RME were found to exhibit antioxidant efficacy in ex vivo and in vivo models. Results ascertained that H. rostrata rhizomes possess significant hepatoprotective potency.

Acute and Subacute Toxicity Studies of the Aqueous Extract from Haloxylon scoparium Pomel (Hammada scoparia (Pomel)) by Oral Administration in Rodents

Materials and Methods

Acute toxicity test was performed on Swiss albino mice at a single oral dose of 1-10 g/kg for 14 consecutive days. General behavioral adverse effects, mortality, and latency of mortality were determined. In the subacute study, the Haloxylon scoparium Pomel extract was administered orally at doses of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg daily for 30 days to Wistar rats. Body weight and selected biochemical and hematological parameters were determined at the end of the experiment. Sections of livers and kidneys were removed for histological studies.

Results

Acute toxicity study showed that the oral LD₅₀ value of Haloxylon scoparium Pomel extract was 5000 mg/kg. The subacute toxicity study of Haloxylon scoparium Pomel extract at doses 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg did not produce any observable symptoms of toxicity and no significant variation in body weight, organ weights, food, and water consumption or mortality in all treated rats. However, the administration of the Haloxylon scoparium Pomel extract to rats at 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg showed a significant decrease in platelets. Moreover, only at the highest dose (2000 mg/kg), the extract caused a significant increase in red blood cells and hemoglobin. Our results showed that subacute treatments with Haloxylon scoparium Pomel extract at doses of 1000 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg significantly elevated alkaline phosphatase and triglycerides. Histological studies showed that the subacute treatments of rats with Haloxylon scoparium Pomel extracts, at the doses 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, induced some histopathological changes in the livers but a slight changing in kidneys.

Conclusion

Our results indicated low acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of Haloxylon scoparium Pomel. Furthermore, daily oral administration of Haloxylon scoparium Pomel extract caused some damages to the livers of rats treated with high doses, expressed by an increase in some enzyme activities such as ALP. Regarding the renal function, we did not find remarkable toxicity in the subacute treatment with Haloxylon scoparium Pomel extracts at doses 1000 and 2000 mg/kg. However, further toxicity assessments should be done to ascertain the safety or the toxicity of this valuable plant species “Haloxylon scoparium pomel” in subchronic treatments.

Evaluation of subacute toxicity and herb-drug interaction potential of an herbal Arishta formulation

Background Arishta technology is an age-old heritage and uses herbal decoctions to prepare self-generated alcoholic medicines. In Ayurveda, Arishta preparations are widely used as a remedy for metabolic disorders. However, their safety and influence on herb metabolism pathways were not yet explored. Aim: To study the subacute toxicity of a polyherbal Arishta formulation (coded as DB-07) in rats and to evaluate its potential for inhibition of the drug-metabolizing enzyme (Cytochrome P450 3A4). Methodology Experimentally naive rats were treated with graded oral doses of DB-07 (10 and 20 mL/kg/day) for 28 days. During the course of the experiment, all the animals were closely observed for apparent behavioural abnormalities and mortalities. Tissue histology was performed to assess any sign of toxicity. In addition, in vitro CYP3A4 inhibition assay was performed to study the effect on drug metabolism pathways. Results Animals did not show any change in body weight, organ toxicity and food consumption throughout the dosing period of 28 days. Pathophysiological, behavioural status and locomotor activity were not altered. DB-07 did not inhibit CYP3A4 enzyme and drug metabolism pathway in-vitro. Gallic acid and quercetin were identified as phytomarker from the formulation that may be responsible for its activity related safety issue. Conclusion These results indicate that use of DB-07 may be safe with no sign of toxicity for up to 28 days in rats. Further, CYP3A4 inhibition assay indicated that DB-07 is less likely to have herb-drug interactions when concomitantly administered with CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducer.

Bio-evaluation of functional date bars using rats as model organism against hypercholesterolemia

Background

The present research project was designed to evaluate the cholesterol lowering potential of different date varieties including one exotic (Ajwa) and three Pakistani varieties (Aseel, Khudravi, Hallawi).

Methods

The albino rats were divided into six groups on the basis of different diets which includes, control having basal diet, high cholesterol high sucrose diet, high cholesterol high sucrose diet plus Khudravi dates, high cholesterol high sucrose diet plus Hallawi dates, high cholesterol high sucrose diet plus Aseel dates, high cholesterol high sucrose diet plus Ajwa dates to evaluate maximum cholesterol lowering potential of each date variety.

Results

The results showed that Hallawi and Ajwa have lower crude fiber content as 2.02 ± 0.03% and 2.43 ± 0.04% however, lowest crude fat content (0.26 ± 0.01%) was also observed in ajwa. Mineral profile depicted that sodium (9.50–18.00 mg/100 g) was found to be in lesser amount among all varieties whereas, higher amount of potassium (465.00 to 887.20 mg/100 g) depicted that it is suitable for people having hypertension. Higher amount of reducing sugar was also observed in ajwa (79.45 ± 1.22%) followed by Hallawi (77.68 ± 1.42%). Total phenolic contents were found higher in Aseel (291.36 mg/100 g) whereas, minimum was observed in Khudravi (232.64 mg/100 g). Furthermore, date varieties were also examined rat modeling to evaluate their maximum cholesterol lowering efficiency. Ajwa and Hallawi were observed to suppress the cholesterol efficiently as 110 mg/dL and 103 mg/dL respectively. On the basis of chemical profiling and other parameters, two date varieties Ajwa and Hallawi showed almost similar results and found to have maximum serum cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride reduction potential with good kidney and liver functions. Functional date bar was also developed by using Hallawi variety andsubjected to sensory evaluation.

Conclusion

In nutshell, Hallawi date variety was considered as better cholesterol lowering potential among other indigenous varieties and very close to Ajwa variety. So that Hallawi can be used to suppress the deadly effects of obesity and allied discrepancies particularly hypercholesterolemia.

Acute and subchronic toxicity studies of methanol extract of Polygonum minus leaves in Sprague Dawley rats

Medicinal plant preparations may contain high levels of toxic chemical constituents to potentially cause serious harm to animals and/or humans. Thus, toxicity studies are important to assess the toxic effects of plant derived products. Polygonum minus is used traditionally for different ailments in Southeast Asia. This study was conducted to establish the acute and subchronic toxicity profile of the methanol extract of P. minus leaves. The acute toxicity study showed that the methanol extract of P. minus is safe even at the highest dose tested of 2000 mg/kg in female Sprague Dawley rats. There were no behavioural or physiological changes and gross pathological abnormalities observed. The subchronic toxicity study of methanol extract of P. minus at 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg were conducted in both sexes of Sprague Dawley rats. There were no changes observed in the extract treated animal's body weight, food and water intake, motor coordination, behaviour and mental alertness. The values of haematological and biochemical parameters were not different between the treated and control animals. The relative organ weights of extract-treated animals did not differ with that of control animals. Based on the present findings, the methanol extract of P. minus leaves could be considered safe up to the dose of 2000 mg/kg.

A 56-Day Oral Toxicity Study of the Aqueous Extract of Rapanea melanophloeos (L.) Mez in Rats

Rapanea melanophloeos is a tropical tree that is extensively utilized in African traditional medicine to treat helminthiases, tuberculosis, and heart-water. As with many other medicinal plants, there is insufficient information regarding the safety of therapeutic R. melanophloeos extracts. An aqueous extract of R. melanophloeos stem bark was administered to Sprague Dawley rats at doses of 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg for 56 days to characterize its potential toxicity after prolonged dosing. Blood samples were obtained fortnightly for serum chemistry and hematology, while organs were collected at the end of the study. The extract caused an increase in organ weight indices of the kidneys and testis at 300 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg. Hematological and biochemical examination revealed a drop in leukocyte counts and the hematocrit at 1000 mg/kg dose level, while there was a general but nondose-related elevation in alkaline phosphatase activity. There were time-associated variations in the hematological and clinical chemistry parameters at days 28, 42, and 56 in all dose levels, but most values remained within physiological limits. No pathological lesions were evident at histopathology after treatment with the extract. Our data shows that the aqueous extract of R. melanophloeos is not likely to be toxic at the doses tested and provides support to its medicinal use.

Chemopreventive Properties and Toxicity of Kelulut Honey in Sprague Dawley Rats Induced with Azoxymethane

Ethnopharmacological Relevance. Colon cancer has been a major problem worldwide. Kelulut honey (KH) is produced by the stingless bees from Trigona species and has strong antioxidant activities that could be one of the potential chemopreventive agents from natural resources. Aim of This Study. This study investigated the chemopreventive properties and toxicity of KH in Sprague Dawley rats induced with azoxymethane (AOM). Material and Method. Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats aged 5 weeks were divided into 4 groups: (G1) untreated group not induced with AOM, (G2) untreated group induced with AOM, (G3) treated group induced with AOM, and (G4) treated group not induced with AOM. Injection of AOM (15 mg/kg) was via intraperitoneal route once a week for two subsequent weeks. The treatment groups were given oral administration of KH (1183 mg/kg body weight) twice daily for 8 weeks. Results. Treatment with KH significantly reduced the total number of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and aberrant crypts (AC) and crypt multiplicity. KH was not toxic to the animals since the level of blood profile parameters, liver enzymes, and kidney functions was in normal range. Conclusions. The current finding shows that KH has chemopreventive properties in rats induced with colorectal cancer and also was found not toxic towards the animals.

Antioxidant and toxicity studies of 50% methanolic extract of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth

The present study evaluated the antioxidant activity and potential toxicity of 50% methanolic extract of Orthosiphon stamineus (Lamiaceae) leaves (MEOS) after acute and subchronic administration in rats. Superoxide radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and ferrous ion chelating methods were used to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the extract. In acute toxicity study, single dose of MEOS, 5000 mg/kg, was administered to rats by oral gavage, and the treated rats were monitored for 14 days. While in the subchronic toxicity study, MEOS was administered orally, at doses of 1250, 2500, and 5000 mg/kg/day for 28 days. From the results, MEOS showed good superoxide radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, ferrous ion chelating, and antilipid peroxidation activities. There was no mortality detected or any signs of toxicity in acute and subchronic toxicity studies. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in bodyweight, relative organ weight, and haematological and biochemical parameters between both male and female treated rats in any doses tested. No abnormality of internal organs was observed between treatment and control groups. The oral lethal dose determined was more than 5000 mg/kg and the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of MEOS for both male and female rats is considered to be 5000 mg/kg per day.

Safety assessment of methanol extract of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus): acute and subchronic toxicity studies

Recently, the fruits of Hylocereus polyrhizus, known as red dragon fruit, have received much attention from growers worldwide. However, there is little toxicological information regarding the safety of repeated exposure to these fruits. The present study evaluated the potential toxicity of a methanol extract of H. polyrhizus fruit after acute and subchronic administration in rats. In the acute toxicity study, single doses of fruit extract (1250, 2500 and 5000 mg/kg) were administered to rats by oral gavage, and the rats were then monitored for 14 days. In the subchronic toxicity study, the fruit extract was administered orally to rats at doses of 1250, 2500 and 5000 mg/kg/day for 28 days. There was no mortality or signs of acute or subchronic toxicity. There was no significant difference in body weight, relative organ weight or hematological parameters in the subchronic toxicity study. Biochemical analysis showed some significant changes, including creatinine, globulin, total protein and urea levels. No abnormality of internal organs was observed between treatment and control groups. The lethal oral dose of the fruit extract is more than 5000 mg/kg and the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of the extract for both male and female rats is considered to be 5000 mg/kg per day for 28 days.

Anti-hyperlipidemic activity of spider brake (Pteris multifida) with rats fed a high cholesterol diet

This study evaluates the possible potency of the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of spider brake [(Pteris multifida Poiret (Pteridaceae)]. We investigated this by feeding the hyperlipidemic Sprague-Dawley rats, caused by a high cholesterol diet, with lyophilized powder of spider brake (LSB) and compared the result with the rats fed with beta-sitosterol. The results indicated that the administration of lyophilized powder of spider brake (LSB) lowered the hyperlipidemic level on rats. The relative weights of the liver, adipose tissue, and relative adipose tissue of 10% substitutions of LSB group (LSB-10) showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) by 6%, 15.9%, and 14.3% in contrast to the untreated counterparts (control), respectively. A significantly lower (P < 0.05) plasma TG, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, liver CH, and TG contents were also observed in LSB-10 compared to the untreated counterparts (by 36.8%, 21%, 18.7%, 10.2% and 14.3% reduction, respectively). Simultaneously, the wet fecal weight, dry fecal weight, nitrogen compounds, excretion of neutral steroids, and bile acids significantly (P < 0.05) increased by 9.6%, 10.6%, 23.7%, 9.7%, and 3.4% respectively. The results showed that LSB could cause not only a reduction in CH and TG, but also could increase the excretion of lipids and metabolic by-products via the intestinal tract.