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Lagu IJL, Nyamai DW, Njeru SN. Phytochemical analysis, in-vitro and in-silico study of antiproliferative activity of ethyl acetate fraction of Launaea cornuta (Hochst. ex Oliv. & Hiern) C. Jeffrey against human cervical cancer cell line. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1399885. [PMID: 39005932 PMCID: PMC11239972 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1399885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women globally due to the limitation of current treatment methods and their associated adverse side effects. Launaea cornuta is used as traditional medicine for the treatment of a variety of diseases including cancer. However, there is no scientific validation on the antiproliferative activity of L. cornuta against cervical cancer. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the selective antiproliferative, cytotoxic and antimigratory effects of L. cornuta and to explore its therapeutical mechanisms in human cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa-229) through a network analysis approach. Materials and methods: The cytotoxic effect of L. cornuta ethyl acetate fraction on the proliferation of cervical cancer cells was evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) bioassay and the antimigratory effect was assessed by wound healing assays. Compounds were analysed using the qualitative colour method and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Subsequently, bioinformatic analyses, including the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, were performed to screen for potential anticervical cancer therapeutic target genes of L. cornuta. Molecular docking (MD) was performed to predict and understand the molecular interactions of the ligands against cervical cancer. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to validate the network analysis results. Results: L. cornuta ethyl acetate fraction exhibited a remarkable cytotoxic effect on HeLa-229 proliferation (IC50 of 20.56 ± 2.83 μg/mL) with a selectivity index (SI) of 2.36 with minimal cytotoxicity on non-cancerous cells (Vero-CCL 81 (IC50 of 48.83 ± 23.02). The preliminary screening revealed the presence of glycosides, phenols, saponins, terpenoids, quinones, and tannins. Thirteen compounds were also identified by GC-MS analysis. 124 potential target genes associated with the effect of L. cornuta ethyl acetate fraction on human cervical cancer were obtained, including AKT1, MDM2, CDK2, MCL1 and MTOR were identified among the top hub genes and PI3K/Akt1, Ras/MAPK, FoxO and EGFR signalling pathways were identified as the significantly enriched pathways. Molecular docking results showed that stigmasteryl methyl ether had a good binding affinity against CDK2, ATK1, BCL2, MDM2, and Casp9, with binding energy ranging from -7.0 to -12.6 kcal/mol. Tremulone showed a good binding affinity against TP53 and P21 with -7.0 and -8.0 kcal/mol, respectively. This suggests a stable molecular interaction of the ethyl acetate fraction of L. cornuta compounds with the selected target genes for cervical cancer. Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis revealed that CDK2, MDM2 and BCL2 were downregulated, and Casp9 and P21 were upregulated in HeLa-229 cells treated with L. cornuta compared to the negative control (DMSO 0.2%). Conclusion: The findings indicate that L. cornuta ethyl acetate fraction phytochemicals modulates various molecular targets and pathways to exhibit selective antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects against HeLa-229 cells. This study lays a foundation for further research to develop innovative clinical anticervical cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inyani John Lino Lagu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dorothy Wavinya Nyamai
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sospeter Ngoci Njeru
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research (CTMDR), Kenya Medical Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
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Ndung'u JK, Nguta JM, Mapenay IM, Moriasi GA. A Comprehensive Review of Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicity of Prunus africana (Hook. F.) Kalkman from Africa. SCIENTIFICA 2024; 2024:8862996. [PMID: 38654751 PMCID: PMC11039028 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8862996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Prunus africana, a widely utilized medicinal plant in various African ethnic communities, continues to hold significant importance in traditional healing practices. Research has identified phytochemical compounds in this plant, exhibiting diverse pharmacological activities that offer potential for pharmaceutical development. Notably, P. africana is employed in treating various ailments such as wounds, diabetes mellitus, malaria, benign prostatic hyperplasia, chest pain, and prostate cancer. Its pharmacological properties are attributed to a spectrum of bioactive compounds, including tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phytosterols, and fatty acids. Multiple studies have documented the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiandrogenic, antiangiogenic, antioxidant, antidipeptidyl peptidase-4 activity, analgesic, and astringent properties of P. africana extracts. This review offers a comprehensive compilation of ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemical composition, pharmacological effects, and toxicity assessments of P. africana, serving as a foundation for future preclinical and clinical investigations. By understanding its traditional uses and chemical constituents, researchers can target specific medical conditions with greater precision, potentially expediting the development of safe and effective pharmaceuticals. Moreover, toxicity assessments provide crucial insights into the safety profile of P. africana extracts, ensuring the development of safe pharmaceuticals to treat various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- James K. Ndung'u
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Pharmacy, Kenya Medical Training College, Nakuru Campus Kenya, P.O. Box 110, Nakuru, Kenya
| | - Joseph M. Nguta
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Isaac M. Mapenay
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gervason A. Moriasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844-00100-GPO, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Mount Kenya University, P.O. Box 342-01000, Thika, Kenya
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JAMKHANDE P, GHANTE M, KSHIRSAGAR R. In Silico PASS Predictions and Exploration of Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Citrus Karna Raf. Fruit. Medeni Med J 2024; 39:49-58. [PMID: 38511859 PMCID: PMC10961656 DOI: 10.4274/mmj.galenos.2024.49775] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Inflammation and oxidative stress are major factors in the development of many disorders. Natural antioxidants present in plants can interrupt, decrease, or reduce the oxidation of components sensitive to oxidative processes by scavenging free radicals and lowering oxidative stress. Most anti-inflammatory agents used in the management of inflammatory disorders diminish oxidative damage. The biological potential of Citrus karna Raf. remains undisclosed, despite its richness in several bioactive compounds. Methods The methanolic extract was evaluated for quantitative phytochemical analysis and antioxidative efficacy using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. A carrageenan-induced paw edema model was employed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential as antioxidants exert anti-inflammatory effects. In silico prediction of activity spectra for substance predictions were performed to understand the possible mechanism of action of phytochemicals. Results Citrus karna methanolic extract (CKME) showed dose-dependent radical scavenging effects. The powerful scavenging activity of CKME could be due to the diverse polyphenolic compounds such as ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, and naringin. In addition, the percentage inhibition of paw edema and swelling was observed in CKME-treated rats and mice, which is the same as that of standard drug-treated groups. The Pa value of ascorbic acid, beta-bisabolene, linalool, and naringin is more than 0.7 which shows that these phytoconstituents might contribute to the anti-inflammatory action of extract samples such as CKME. Conclusions Our findings shows that CKME possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The richness of plants in polyphenolics such as flavonoids might be a contributing factor for these potential effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad JAMKHANDE
- Sharda Bhavan Education Society’s Nanded Pharmacy College, Centre for Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanded, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Rajeshwar KSHIRSAGAR
- Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University School of Pharmacy, Nanded, Maharashtra, India
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Ndile MM, Makori WA, Kibiti CM, Ngugi MP. In Vitro Hypoglycemic and Antioxidant Activities of Dichloromethane Extract of Xerophyta spekei. SCIENTIFICA 2023; 2023:6652112. [PMID: 38188987 PMCID: PMC10769734 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6652112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder which has greatly led to an increase in morbidity and mortality globally. Although Xerophyta spekei is widely used for the management of diabetes among the Embu and Mbeere communities in Kenya, it has never been empirically evaluated for its hypoglycemic activity. This study was carried out to verify the hypoglycemic activity of dichloromethane (DCM) extract of Xerophyta spekei as well as its antioxidant activity using various in vitro techniques. Phytochemicals associated with its antioxidant activity were identified through GC-MS. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics and expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean (X̄ ± SEM). Comparison between various variables was performed by using unpaired Student's t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey's post-hoc test. The confidence interval was set at 95%. The obtained results were presented in tables and graphs. Results showed that there was no difference in α-amylase inhibition activity between the plant extract and the standard (IC50 525.9 ± 12.34 and 475.1 ± 9.115, respectively; p > 0.05). Besides, the glucose adsorption activity of the extract increased with an increase in glucose concentration (from 5.89 to 32.64 mg/dl at 5 mmol and 30 mmol of glucose, respectively; p < 0.05). The extract also limited the diffusion of glucose more than the negative control (7.49 and 17.63 mg/dl, respectively; p < 0.05). It also enhanced glucose uptake by yeast cells. In addition, the studied plant extract showed notable antioxidant activities. The therapeutic effects exhibited by this plant in managing diabetes mellitus and other ailments could be due to its antioxidant as well as its hypoglycemic activity. The study recommends the evaluation of X. spekei for in vivo hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities. Besides, the isolation of bioactive phytochemicals from the plant may lead to the development of new hypoglycaemic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Musila Ndile
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, P. O Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Wycliffe Arika Makori
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, P. O Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Cromwell Mwiti Kibiti
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, Technical University of Mombasa, P. O. Box 90420-80100, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Mathew Piero Ngugi
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, P. O Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
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Makauki E, Mtavangu SG, Basu OD, Rwiza M, Machunda R. Facile biosynthesis of Ag-ZnO nanocomposites using Launaea cornuta leaf extract and their antimicrobial activity. DISCOVER NANO 2023; 18:142. [PMID: 37975945 PMCID: PMC10656379 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-023-03925-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The quest to synthesize safe, non-hazardous Ag-ZnO nanoomposites (NCs) with improved physical and chemical properties has necessitated green synthesis approaches. In this research, Launaea cornuta leaf extract was proposed for the green synthesis of Ag-ZnO NCs, wherein the leaf extract was used as a reducing and capping agent. The antibacterial activity of the prepared nanoomposites was investigated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus through the disc diffusion method. The influence of the synthesis temperature, pH, and precursor concentration on the synthesis of the Ag-ZnO NCs and antimicrobial efficacy were investigated. The nanoparticles were characterized by ATR-FTIR, XRD, UV-Vis, FESEM, and TEM. The FTIR results indicated the presence of secondary metabolites in Launaea cornuta which assisted the green synthesis of the nanoparticles. The XRD results confirmed the successful synthesis of crystalline Ag-ZnO NCs with an average particle size of 21.51 nm. The SEM and TEM images indicated the synthesized nanoparticles to be spherical in shape. The optimum synthesis conditions for Ag-ZnO NCs were at 70 °C, pH of 7, and 8% silver. Antibacterial activity results show Ag-ZnO NCs to have higher microbial inhibition on E. coli than on S. aureus with the zones of inhibition of 21 ± 1.08 and 19.67 ± 0.47 mm, respectively. Therefore, the results suggest that Launaea cornuta leaf extract can be used for the synthesis of Ag-ZnO NCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Makauki
- School of Materials Energy Water and Environmental Sciences, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania.
| | - Stanslaus George Mtavangu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Chemistry, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Onita D Basu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Design, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Mwemezi Rwiza
- School of Materials Energy Water and Environmental Sciences, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Revocatus Machunda
- School of Materials Energy Water and Environmental Sciences, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
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Azzam SM, Abdel Khalek MR, Abdel Rahman AAS, Osman AA, Selim HMRM, Sharif AF, El-Khattib YA, Rabea S, Ali SK, Darwish A. Revealing how phenytoin triggers liver damage and the potential protective effects of Balanites Aegyptiaca fruit extracts: Exploring Nrf2/MAPK/ Beclin-1 signaling pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115265. [PMID: 37541174 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenytoin-induced liver injury (PHT ILII) is a serious condition that may necessitate discontinuation of the drug. This study investigates the mechanisms of PHT ILII and evaluates the protective effects of Balanites Aegyptiaca (BA) fruit extracts on the liver. We focus on the Nrf2/MAPK/NF-κB/Beclin-1 signaling pathways involved in oxidative stress and inflammation from drug-induced liver injury. Phytochemical analyses of BA fruit extracts (Bu-F and EA-F) are conducted. Molecular docking techniques explore the interaction between phenytoin (PHT) and the Nrf2/MAPK/NF-κB/Beclin-1 pathways. Thirty-six male rats are divided into Control, Bu-F, EA-F, PHT, Bu-F/PHT, and EA-F/PHT groups, and they are observed for 45 days. EA-F extract is rich in phenolics/flavonoids, while Bu-F extract mainly contains saponins.PHT ILII causes histological damage in liver tissues and affects Nrf-2, MAPK, TNF-α, IL-1β, Mcp-1, Beclin-1, iNOS expression, and liver function markers (ALT, AST, ALP). However, EA-F/Bu-F extracts effectively improve the histological structure and significantly reduce biochemical/immunohistochemical parameters, restoring them to near-normal levels. EA-F extract is particularly effective.In conclusion, the Nrf2/MAPK /Beclin-1 pathways play a critical role in the development of PHT ILII. BA fruit extracts show promise as hepato-protective agents, with the EA-F extract demonstrating superior efficacy. These results lay the groundwork for new treatments for PHT ILII and drug-induced liver injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa M Azzam
- Department of Biochemistry, Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), Formerly National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Giza, Egypt.
| | - Marwa Refaat Abdel Khalek
- Phytochemistry department, Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), Formerly National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Giza 11221, Egypt.
| | - Amina A S Abdel Rahman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science, and Education, Ain Shams University, Asmaa Fahmy Street, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Amany Abdelhameid Osman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science, and Education, Ain Shams University, Asmaa Fahmy Street, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Heba Mohammed Refat M Selim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Diriyah 3713, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Asmaa Fady Sharif
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt; Clinical Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Dar Al Uloom University, Riyadh 13314, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Sameh Rabea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Diriyah 3713, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sahar K Ali
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt.
| | - Alshaymaa Darwish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt.
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Maina M, Mbaria J, Kamanja I, Moriasi G. Acute oral toxicity, cognitive-enhancing and anti-lipid peroxidation efficacy, and qualitative phytochemistry of the aqueous aerial part extract of Launaea cornuta (Hochst. ex. Oliv. &Hiern) C. Jeffrey. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15487. [PMID: 37123958 PMCID: PMC10131077 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, there is no cure for dementia or its related cognitive impairments. Available treatments only provide symptomatic relief and do not alter the disease's progression and they suffer serious drawbacks limiting their clinical use, hence the need for alternative therapies. Although Launaea cornuta has been used traditionally to treat cognitive deficits, its pharmacological efficacy and safety have not been empirically validated, prompting this study. Acute oral toxicity of the extract was examined in Swiss albino mice using the up-and-down procedure described by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline number 425. The Morris water maze technique was adopted in assessing cognitive-enhancing effects of the extract in ketamine-induced cognitive-impaired mice. The malondialdehyde concentrations in the whole brain of experimental mice involved in the MWM experiment were measured to determine the extract's anti-lipid peroxidation efficacy. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the extract was performed using standard procedures. Our results showed that the test extract was safe and did not cause any clinical signs of acute oral toxicity in mice at all doses (LD50 > 2000 mg/kg BW). Moreover, the extract significantly improved cognitive function in ketamine-induced cognitive-impaired mice in a dose-dependent manner, as indicated by reduced escape latency, navigation distance, and longer latency in the target quadrant during the probe trial. The extract also significantly reduced malondialdehyde concentrations in mice in a dose-dependent manner, demonstrating its antioxidative stress efficacy. The studied extract contained various phytochemicals associated with cognitive enhancement and antioxidant efficacy, among other pharmacologic effects. Further empirical studies are needed to determine and characterise the extract's specific cognitive-enhancing compounds, specific mechanisms of action, and complete toxicity profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercy Maina
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, PO BOX 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
- Corresponding author. Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, PO BOX 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - James Mbaria
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, PO BOX 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Irene Kamanja
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, Egerton University, PO BOX 13357 - 20100, Nakuru, Kenya
| | - Gervason Moriasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, PO BOX 43844-00100-GPO, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Mount Kenya University, PO BOX 342-01000, Thika, Kenya
- Corresponding author. Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, PO BOX 43844-00100-GPO, Nairobi, Kenya.
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Subacute Toxicity Effects of the Aqueous Shoot Extract of Yushania alpina (K. Schum.) W.C.Lin in Sprague Dawley Rats: An Appraisal of Its Safety in Ethnomedicinal Usage. J Toxicol 2022; 2022:6283066. [PMID: 36061215 PMCID: PMC9436527 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6283066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant-based medicines have effectively managed several ailments in humans and animals since prehistoric times. However, the pharmacologic efficacy and safety of many plants currently used in traditional medicine have not been explored empirically, which raises serious public health concerns, derailing further research and their integration into the conventional healthcare system. Despite the longstanding ethnomedicinal usage of Yushania alpina shoot extract to treat inflammation, microbial infections, and diarrhoea, among other diseases, there is insufficient scientific data to appraise its toxicity profile and safety. Accordingly, we investigated the subacute toxicity of the aqueous shoot extract of Y. alpina in Sprague Dawley rats (both sexes) for 28 days based on the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline 407. In this study, all the experimental rats treated orally with 40 mg/Kg BW, 200 mg/Kg BW, and 1000 mg/Kg BW of the aqueous shoot extract of Y. alpina remained normal, like the control group rats, and did not show any clinical signs of subacute toxicity, and no morbidity or mortality was recorded. Besides, the weekly body weight gains and the haematological and biochemical parameters of experimental rats orally administered with the studied plant extract at the tested doses and in the control group were comparable (P > 0.05). No pathologic alterations in internal organs were observed following necroscopy. Further, the differences in weights of the liver, kidney, and spleen of experimental rats which were subacutely treated with the studied plant extract and the control rats were insignificant (P > 0.05). Moreover, no histopathological changes were observed in tissue sections of the liver, kidney, and spleen obtained from all the experimental rats. Our findings demonstrate that the aqueous shoot extract of Y. alpina may be safe as it does not elicit subacute toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats. Further toxicological and pharmacological studies using other model animals and in clinical setups are encouraged to fully appraise the efficacy and safety of the studied plant extract.
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