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Deepika B, Gowtham P, Raghavan V, Isaac JB, Devi S, Kiran V, Mercy DJ, Sofini PSS, Harini A, Girigoswami A, Girigoswami K. Harmony in nature's elixir: a comprehensive exploration of ethanol and nano-formulated extracts from Passiflora incarnata leaves: unveiling in vitro cytotoxicity, acute and sub-acute toxicity profiles in Swiss albino mice. J Mol Histol 2024:10.1007/s10735-024-10245-x. [PMID: 39158796 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-024-10245-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
We analyzed the toxic effect of the ethanolic extract of Passiflora incarnata (EEP) and its nanoformulation (N-EEP) in the in vitro and in vivo models (zebrafish embryos and Swiss albino mice). The EEP composition was verified by phytochemical and GC-MS analysis. The synthesized N-EEP was characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In vitro results showed both EEP and N-EEP have a dose-dependent effect in L132 cells (normal embryonic lung cells). In zebrafish embryos, no developmental changes were observed for both EEP and N-EEP at 200 µg/ml. The acute and sub-acute toxicity of EEP and N-EEP was identified by oral administration in Swiss albino mice. A single-day oral dose of EEP and N-EEP at different concentrations was administered for acute toxicity, and changes in body weight, food, water intake, temperature, respiration rate, skin color changes, and eye color till 72 h was observed. In a sub-acute toxicity study, 28 days oral administration of different concentrations of EEP and N-EEP was done. Hematological analysis, serum hepatic biochemical parameter analysis, and histopathological analysis for the liver, kidney, spleen, intestine, and heart were performed. The results indicated that lower than 600 mg/kg of EEP and N-EEP can safely be used for the remediation of a spectrum of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balasubramanian Deepika
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Health City, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, 603103, India
| | - Pemula Gowtham
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Health City, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, 603103, India
| | - Vijayashree Raghavan
- Department of Pathology, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Health City, Kelambakkam, 603103, India
| | - Jane Betsy Isaac
- Department of Pathology, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Health City, Kelambakkam, 603103, India
| | - Sobita Devi
- Department of Pharmacology, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Health City, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, 603103, India
| | - Venkatakrishnan Kiran
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Health City, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, 603103, India
| | - Devadass Jessy Mercy
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Health City, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, 603103, India
| | - P S Sharon Sofini
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Health City, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, 603103, India
| | - A Harini
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Health City, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, 603103, India
| | - Agnishwar Girigoswami
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Health City, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, 603103, India
| | - Koyeli Girigoswami
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Health City, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, 603103, India.
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Ugwah-Oguejiofor CJ, Nefai MS, Emmanuel MH, Alkali IY, Biambo AA, Lawal M, Ahmed AH, Muhammed A. Safety assessment of crude aqueous methanol extract of Annona senegalensis stem bark: acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies. Drug Chem Toxicol 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38682320 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2024.2344640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Annona senegalensis Pers., (wild custard apple), is a shrub used traditionally to treat respiratory and skin diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated its anti-malaria, anti-snake envenomation and anti-cancer activities. However, its toxicological profile remains limited, particularly in male and female animals. This study aims to evaluate the safety of crude aqueous methanol extract of Annona senegalensis stem bark (AMEAS) through acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies. The stem bark of A. senegalensis was collected, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using 70% methanol. Phytochemical screening, elemental analysis, and acute toxicity evaluation were carried out on AMEAS. Sub-chronic toxicity study was conducted on Wistar rats of both sexes at different doses administered orally for 28 days. Elemental analysis revealed the presence of heavy metals and essential mineral elements with the highest contents being calcium (59.88%) and potassium (25.39%). Acute toxicity testing showed no mortality up to 5000 mg/kg, suggesting an LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, no mortality or significant harmful effects were observed. The blood glucose decreased from 13.68 mMol/L at 250 mg/kg to 10.71 mMol/L at 1000 mg/kg, much lower than the distilled water group (17.06 mMol/L). In conclusion, the extract appeared to be well-tolerated, with no obvious adverse effects. AMEAS is rich in Calcium (Ca) and potassium (K). It has been shown to have LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg and is assumed to be safe. On repeated use, AMEAS may cause hypoglycemia and weight loss which may be useful in managing diabetes and obesity respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinenye Jane Ugwah-Oguejiofor
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Mathias Sylvester Nefai
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Ethnomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Mshelia Halilu Emmanuel
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Ethnomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim Yusuf Alkali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Aminu Ahmed Biambo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Mansur Lawal
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Ethnomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Hamidu Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Ethnomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Achor Muhammed
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
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Toxicological Profile of the Aqueous Extract of Tectona grandis L.F. (Verbenaceae) Leaves: A Medicinal Plant Used in the Treatment of Typhoid Fever in Traditional Cameroonian Medicine. J Toxicol 2021; 2021:6646771. [PMID: 33880119 PMCID: PMC8046569 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6646771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tectona grandis (T. grandis) is a medicinal plant widely used in Cameroon to treat typhoid fever and several other diseases. Despite its heavy use for medical purposes, no study has yet been conducted to assess its potentially toxic effects. This study aimed at evaluating the acute and subchronic toxicological profile of Tectona grandis leaf extract in rats. The acute toxicity study revealed neither behavioral disturbances nor death in rats. The lethal dose (DL50) of this extract is greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight. The subchronic toxicity study showed no significant change in weight gain in rats at test doses throughout the treatment period. However, there was a significant decrease in alanine transaminase activity and serum protein levels at all doses. Alkaline phosphatase activity decreased at doses of 30, 90, and 270 mg/kg and increased at the dose of 810 mg/kg body weight. Serum and urinary urea levels increased simultaneously at doses of 270 and 810 mg/kg body weight. Repeated administration of the extract also increased total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein levels in both sexes were compared to respective controls, and the ratio of high- to low-density lipoprotein was found to be greater than 1 in all animals. However, at the dose of 810 mg/kg, necrosis was observed on the kidney sections and vascular congestion on the liver sections of animals. Aqueous extract of T. grandis did not lead to any adverse effects in rats after acute and subchronic treatment at 30 and 90 mg/kg doses. This extract can, therefore, be used for the formulation of typhoid fever phytomedicine at the therapeutic dose of 30 mg/kg, but before this, chronic and mutagenic toxicity evaluations must be carried out.
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Dare SS, Merlo E, Rodriguez Curt J, Ekanem PE, Hu N, Berni J. Drosophila para bss Flies as a Screening Model for Traditional Medicine: Anticonvulsant Effects of Annona senegalensis. Front Neurol 2021; 11:606919. [PMID: 33519685 PMCID: PMC7838503 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.606919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is among the most common serious neurological disorders and affects around 50 million people worldwide, 80% of which live in developing countries. Despite the introduction of several new Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs) in the last two decades, one third of treated patients have seizures refractory to pharmacotherapy. This highlights the need to develop new treatments with drugs targeting alternative seizure-induction mechanisms. Traditional medicine (TM) is used for the treatment of epilepsy in many developing countries and could constitute an affordable and accessible alternative to AEDs, but a lack of pre-clinical and clinical testing has so far prevented its wider acceptance worldwide. In this study we used Drosophila melanogaster paralyticbangsensitive(parabss) mutants as a model for epileptic seizure screening and tested, for the first time, the anti-seizure effect of a non-commercial AED. We evaluated the effect of the African custard-apple, Annona senegalensis, which is commonly used as a TM for the treatment of epilepsy in rural Africa, and compared it with the classical AED phenytoin. Our results showed that a stem bark extract from A. senegalensis was significantly more effective than a leaf extract and similar to phenytoin in the prevention and control of seizure-like behavior. These results support that Drosophila constitutes a robust animal model for the screening of TM with potential value for the treatment of intractable epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S Dare
- School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale, Uganda.,Department of Anatomy, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emiliano Merlo
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica (IFIBIO)-Houssay, Universidad de Buenos Aires - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Jesus Rodriguez Curt
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Peter E Ekanem
- Anatomy Unit, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Nan Hu
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jimena Berni
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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Adisa RA, Kolawole N, Sulaimon LA, Brai B, Ijaola A. Alterations of Antioxidant Status and Mitochondrial Succinate Dehydrogenase Activity in the Liver of Wistar Strain Albino Rats Treated with by Ethanol Extracts of Annona senegalensis Pers (Annonaceae) Stem Bark. Toxicol Res 2019; 35:13-24. [PMID: 30766654 PMCID: PMC6354943 DOI: 10.5487/tr.2019.35.1.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous ethnomedicinal uses have been attributed to different parts of Annona senegalensis (ASE), including its uses as food and food additives. The present study investigated toxicological and antioxidant effects of 28 days administration of ethanol extracts of ASE stem bark to Wistar strain albino rats. Acute toxicity test was done to determine lethal dose in Wistar rats while sub-acute toxicity test was conducted on rats divided into four groups (A - control, B - 50 mg/kg, C - 100 mg/kg, D - 150 mg/kg, respectively and treated for 28 days. Oxidative stress markers in liver and kidney as well as hepatic succinate dehydrogenase activity in the mitochondrial and post mitochondrial fractions (PMF) were evaluated. The LD50 value of ASE was > 2,000 mg/kg. White blood cell counts gradually increased, but red blood cell counts and haematocrits level decreased significantly (p < 0.05) by about 50%. Liver enzymes in the serum and mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase activity increased significantly (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities also increased in liver mitochondria and PMF while malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione levels increased only in the PMF. Furthermore, only MDA levels increased significantly in the kidney after 28 days extract administration. Histopathological examination showed hepatic necrosis and no obvious signs of nephrotoxicity. Anona senegalensis is relatively safe, but prolonged ingestion could induce oxidative stress and impair ATP synthesis through the modulation of the activity of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahmat Adetutu Adisa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Idi-araba, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Naimat Kolawole
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Idi-araba, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Lateef A Sulaimon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Idi-araba, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Abraham Ijaola
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Idi-araba, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
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Isabel M, Jossias AD, Maria JS, Natasha R, Isabel. Woody species from the Mozambican Miombo woodlands: A review on their ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological potential. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.5897/jmpr2017.6540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Nciki S, Vuuren S, van Eyk A, de Wet H. Plants used to treat skin diseases in northern Maputaland, South Africa: antimicrobial activity and in vitro permeability studies. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2016; 54:2420-2436. [PMID: 27137350 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2016.1158287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Ethnobotanical claims of medicinal plants used in northern Maputaland are limited. Objectives To establish scientific validity for a selection of the plants used in Maputaland to treat skin diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Aqueous and dichloromethane-methanol extracts were prepared from 37 plant species which were collected from four rural communities in Maputaland. Antimicrobial screening was performed on extracts against 12 dermatological relevant pathogens using the micro-titre plate dilution assay. Their combined effect was evaluated by determining the sum of the fractional inhibitory concentrations (ΣFICs). Chemical analysis was undertaken using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and investigated in vitro across excised intact porcine skin using the ILC07 automated system. RESULTS The organic extract of Garcinia livingstonei T. Anderson (Clusiaceae) was found to be the most antimicrobially active displaying an average broad-spectrum MIC value of 270 μg/mL. The combination of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hotsch. (Anacardaceae) with Syzygium cordatum Hochst. ex C. Krauss (Myrtaceae) displayed synergistic effects. The four antimicrobially active organic extracts were found to possess mainly anthraquinones, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. The organic extracts of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. (Bignoniaceae) and S. cordatum were found to have more compounds capable of permeating intact skin after 10 min of exposure. CONCLUSION More than 80% of the organic extracts tested displayed a correlation between the antimicrobial efficacy and the reported traditional uses of the plants. Furthermore, the traditional use of topically applied plant preparations is validated as some compounds from the active plants are capable of permeating the skin in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibongile Nciki
- a Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Sandy Vuuren
- a Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Armorel van Eyk
- a Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Helene de Wet
- b Department of Botany , University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa , South Africa
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Al-Salem HS, Bhat RS, Al-Ayadhi L, El-Ansary A. Therapeutic potency of bee pollen against biochemical autistic features induced through acute and sub-acute neurotoxicity of orally administered propionic acid. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 16:120. [PMID: 27107819 PMCID: PMC4842259 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background It is now well documented that postnatal exposure to certain chemicals has been reported to increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder. Propionic acid (PA), as a metabolic product of gut microbiotaandas a commonly used food additive, has been reported to mediate the effects of autism. Results from animal studies may help to identify environmental neurotoxic agents and drugs that can ameliorate neurotoxicity and may thereby aid in the treatment of autism. The present study investigated the ameliorative effects of natural bee pollen against acute and sub-acute brain intoxication induced by (PA) in rats. Methods Twenty-four young male Western Albino ratswere enrolled in the present study. They were classified into four equal groups, eachwith6 rats. The control group received only phosphate buffered saline; the oral buffered PA-treated groups (II and III) received a neurotoxic dose of 750 mg/kg body weight divided in 3 dose of 250 mg/kg body weight/day serving asthe acute group and 750 mg/kg body weight divided in 10 equal dose of 75 mg/kg body weight/day as the sub-acute group. The fourth group received 50 mg bee pollen for 30 days after PA-acute intoxication. Results The obtained data showed that the PA-treated groups demonstrated multiple signs of brain toxicity, as indicated by a depletion of serotonin (5HT), dopamine and nor-adrenaline, together withan increase in IFN-γ and caspase 3. Bee pollen was effective in ameliorating the neurotoxic effect of PA. All measured parameters demonstrated minimal alteration in comparison with thecontrol animal than did those of acute and sub-acute PA-treated animals. Conclusions In conclusion, bee pollen demonstrates anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects while ameliorating the impaired neurochemistry of PA-intoxicated rats.
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Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity Evaluation of the Methanolic Extract of Alstonia scholaris Stem Bark. Med Sci (Basel) 2016; 4:medsci4010004. [PMID: 29083368 PMCID: PMC5635771 DOI: 10.3390/medsci4010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2015] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alstonia scholaris has been used by traditional medicine practitioners since the medieval ages for the treatment of diseases. The aim of this research was to evaluate the acute and sub-acute oral toxicity of its methanolic extract. The acute toxicity test was conducted using Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. The methanolic extract of Alstonia scholaris stem bark (ASME) was administrated in a single dose of 2000 mg/kg via oral gavage; and the animals were observed for any behavioral changes or mortality. In the sub-acute toxicity study, SD rats received three doses of ASME (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) for 28 days via oral gavage. During these 28 days of treatment, the rats were observed weekly for toxicity symptoms. Following the 28-day treatment, the rats were sacrificed for hematological, biochemical and histopathology studies. In the acute toxicity study, Alstonia scholaris was found to be non-toxic at a dose of 2000 mg/kg b.w. In the sub-acute toxicity study, significant variations in body weight, hematological and biochemical parameters were observed in the experimental groups at the dose of 500 and 1000 mg/kg with the death of two female rats being recorded at the highest dose (1000 mg/kg b.w.). Histopathological studies revealed slight degeneration (lesion) and centrilobular necrosis in the liver, which was most expressed in the highest-dose group. These results demonstrate that, while a single dose and short term oral intake of Alstonia scholaris bark extract caused no toxicity up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg b.w., toxic effects manifested in the long term treatment at the highest dose (500 and 1000 mg/kg). The long-term toxic effect was found to be associated with alterations in hematological compositions and end-organ damage to the liver. Thus, prolonged use of high doses of ASME orally should be discouraged and lower doses encouraged.
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Ashafa AOT, Orekoya LO, Yakubu MT. Toxicity profile of ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica stem bark in male Wistar rats. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2012; 2:811-7. [PMID: 23569852 PMCID: PMC3609225 DOI: 10.1016/s2221-1691(12)60234-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 03/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the toxic implications of ethanolic stem bark extract of Azadirachta indica (A. indica) at 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight in Wistar rats. METHODS Fifty male rats of Wistar strains were randomly grouped into five (A-E) of ten animals each. Animals in Group A (control) were orally administered 1 mL of distilled water on daily basis for 21 days while those in Groups B-E received same volume of the extract corresponding to 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight. RESULTS The extract did not significantly (P>0.05) alter the levels of albumin, total protein, red blood cells and factors relating to it whereas the white blood cell, platelets, serum triacylglycerol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly (P<0.05). In contrast, the final body weights, absolute weights of the liver, kidney, lungs and heart as well as their organ-body weight ratios, serum globulins, total and conjugated bilirubin, serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and computed atherogenic index increased significantly. The spleen-body weight ratio, alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate transaminases, sodium, potassium, calcium, feed and water intake were altered at specific doses. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the alterations in the biochemical parameters of toxicity have consequential effects on the normal functioning of the organs of the animals. Therefore, the ethanolic extract of A. indica stem bark at the doses of 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight may not be completely safe as an oral remedy and should be taken with caution if absolutely necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Musa Toyin Yakubu
- Phytomedicine, Toxicology, Reproductive Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
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