Sub-chronic toxicity study of the methanol root extract of Cnestis ferruginea

Ninety-day oral toxicological profiling of Kolaviron (an extract of Garcinia kola) in male and female rats

There remains an insufficiency of data on the long-term toxicological profile of Garcinia kola Heckel and its extract, Kolaviron (KV), despite several studies on its pharmacological effects. This research was designed to investigate the long-term histopathological, hematological, biochemical, hormonal, reproductive, and oxidative effects of 90 days administration of KV to male and female rats, as well as additional 30 days reversibility study to assess the potential for reversal of induced effects. Fifty-six male and female Wistar rats divided into four groups were treated orally with distilled water/propylene glycol, 20 mg/kg KV, 100 mg/kg KV, and 500 mg/kg KV for 90 days. At the end of 90 days and 30 additional days of reversibility study, 5 ml blood was collected from animals for relevant analyses. Vital organs were harvested for histopathological assessments. In this study, KV did not elicit any adverse effect on histopathological presentations of vital organs which were generally non-abnormal. There was significant increase (p < 0.05) in LEU, MON, EOS%, BAS%, HCT (male animals) and LYM%, EOS%, BAS%, RBC, hemoglobin and MCH (female animals). There was significant diminution (p < 0.05) in cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL levels, with significant increase (p < 0.05) in HDL level in both male and female animals. KV elicited a non-significant increase in sperm count accompanied by a significant increase (p < 0.05) in levels of Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone in male rats. Furthermore, KV elicited significant (p < 0.001-0.05) elevation in the levels of GSH, SOD and CAT, and diminution in the level of MDA. The findings in this study suggest that long-term administration of KV is considerably safe with some variations in response between male and female animals. The possible sustenance of observed effects after cessation of KV administration, lipid lowering, erythropoiesis inducing, and immune system boosting activities of KV were confirmed in this study.

Toxicological evaluation of hydroethanol leaf extract of Pupalia lappacea (Linn.) Juss. (Amaranthaceae) in rodents

OBJECTIVES

Several studies have established the ethnobotanical benefits of Pupalia lappacea (PL) in laboratory animals without extensive toxicological evaluation of its safety profiles. Thus, an extensive toxicological investigation of sub-chronic oral administration of the hydroethanol leaf extract of P. lappacea in rodents was carried out in this study.

METHODS

Different groups of rats were treated orally with the extract (10, 50 and 250 mg/kg) daily for 90 consecutive days. The control group received distilled water (10 mL/kg). After 90 days, some rats were left for additional 30 days without treatment for reversibility study. Blood and organs samples were collected for different evaluations at the end of study periods.

RESULTS

The extract decreased the bodyweights, feeding and water intakes in female rats. PL increased the weights of the liver and kidney in male rats. PL increased the red blood cell (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), triglycerides (TRIG), cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) contents in rats. PL (250 mg/kg) significantly reduced the sperm motility and serum testosterone level. Cyto-architectural distortions of the testes, liver and spleen were visible.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings showed that P. lappacea is relatively safe at lower doses but cautions should be taken at higher dose.

Cnestis ferruginea Vahl ex DC (Connaraceae) downregulates expression of immediate early genes in kainic acid-induced temporal lobe epilepsy in mice

OBJECTIVES

This study investigates the influence of Cnestis ferruginea (CF) on kainic acid (KA)-induced immediate early genes (IEGs) associated with hippocampal sclerosis in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in mice.

METHODS

Animals were randomly divided into preventive treatment; vehicle (10 mL/kg, p.o.) or CF (400 mg/kg, p.o.) for three consecutive days before KA (5 mg/kg, i.p.) on days 4 and 5. In the reversal model, KA (5 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered on days 1 and 2 before CF (400 mg/kg) administration on days 3-5. Animals were euthanized on day 5, 6 h after KA exposure in preventive model and 1 h after CF administration in reversal model to estimate markers of IEGs.

RESULTS

KA upregulated the expression of c-Fos protein by 3.32-, 9.45-, 8.13-, and 8.66-fold in the hippocampal CA1, CA2, CA3, and DG regions, respectively. Also, KA elevated inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expression by 10.9-, 10.6-, 9.78-, and 9.51-fold. Besides, mRNA expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factors and heat shock protein was increased by 2.38- and 1.39-fold, respectively, after exposure to KA which were attenuated by CF.

CONCLUSIONS

CF attenuated KA-induced IEGs and could be used as an adjunct in TLE.

Toxicological evaluation of hydroethanol leaf extract of Pupalia lappacea (Linn.) Juss. (Amaranthaceae) in rodents

OBJECTIVES

Several studies have established the ethnobotanical benefits of Pupalia lappacea (PL) in laboratory animals without extensive toxicological evaluation of its safety profiles. Thus, an extensive toxicological investigation of sub-chronic oral administration of the hydroethanol leaf extract of P. lappacea in rodents was carried out in this study.

METHODS

Different groups of rats were treated orally with the extract (10, 50 and 250 mg/kg) daily for 90 consecutive days. The control group received distilled water (10 mL/kg). After 90 days, some rats were left for additional 30 days without treatment for reversibility study. Blood and organs samples were collected for different evaluations at the end of study periods.

RESULTS

The extract decreased the bodyweights, feeding and water intakes in female rats. PL increased the weights of the liver and kidney in male rats. PL increased the red blood cell (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), triglycerides (TRIG), cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) contents in rats. PL (250 mg/kg) significantly reduced the sperm motility and serum testosterone level. Cyto-architectural distortions of the testes, liver and spleen were visible.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings showed that P. lappacea is relatively safe at lower doses but cautions should be taken at higher dose.

Connaraceae: An updated overview of research and the pharmacological potential of 39 species

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

An interdisciplinary scientific investigation of biologically active agents is fundamental to search for natural substances with therapeutic action. This review collected the most relevant information on traditional knowledge related to the use of plants of the Connaraceae family. This work is the first to compile all the published ethnobotanical, chemical, pharmacological, and toxicological information about this important plant family.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our objective was to provide the scientific community with an up-to-date overview of the pharmacological potential of Connaraceae species.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We searched NCBI Pubmed Central, Google Scholar, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), ScienceDirect, SciFinder, and Scopus databases to review the research on ethnobotanical, chemical, pharmacognostical, pharmacological, and toxicological studies with Connaraceaes. Books that address the theme were also included.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The literature review indicated that 39 species of Connaraceaes have pharmacological potentiality. Ethnobotany reports listed 36 of the 39 species discussed. Pharmacognostical studies have been conducted with 23 species and isolates, and chemical compounds have been identified for only 15 species. At least one study has been published concerning the pharmacological activities for 20 of the 39 species analyzed. For Agelaea pentagyna, Cnestis ferruginea, Connars suberosus, and Rourea minor, pharmacological activity experiments were performed using isolated compounds, which have the highest current pharmacological potential. Studies employing a toxicological approach cover only 10 of the 39 Connaraceaes species. Thus, scientific community should conduct much more research for a broader understanding of this plant family.

90 Days toxicological assessment of hydroethanolic leaf extract of Ipomoea asarifolia (Desr.) Roem. and Schult. (Convolvulaceae) in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulacae), commonly known as "morning glory" is found across West Africa. Preparations of the plant are used traditionally for the treatment of diverse ailments including diabetes, neuralgia, arthritic pain and stomach ache. This study was designed to assess the safety profile of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of I. asarifolia through a 90-day subchronic toxicity study in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

I. asarifolia was administered p.o. at doses of 40, 200 and 1000mg/kg to separate groups of rats for 90 days. Distilled water was given p.o. to rats in the control group. Some set of rats in each group were left for additional 30 days without administration of the extract for reversibility study. Animals were weighed weekly and relevant parameters were assayed at the end of the main and reversibility study periods.

RESULTS

There was no significant change (p>0.05) in the body weight of rats, and food and water intake in I. asarifolia treated groups compared with control. I. asarifolia (40-1000 mg/kg) significantly but reversibly reduced (p<0.05, 0.001) sperm motility and count. The extract did not generally cause significant change (p>0.05) in the weight of vital organs and haematological parameters except in the case of reversible reduction in the level of haemoglobin and red blood cell count (p<0.01; 40 mg/kg). The level of biochemical parameters and electrolytes were not significantly changed (p>0.05) except for the reversible reduction in the level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST; p<0.0001; 200 and 1000 mg/kg) and increase in the level of Na(+) (p<0.01; 200 mg/kg). The level of kidney reduced glutathione (GSH) was reversibly increased (p<0.01; 1000 mg/kg) while the level of enzymatic and non-enzymatic in vivo antioxidants was generally comparable and not significantly different (p>0.05) from control in respect of all other vital organs. Histological presentations were generally normal in respect of the liver, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, pancreas, spleen and testes.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings in this study suggest that the hydroethanolic leaf extract of I. asarifolia is relatively safe administered orally for an extended period with potential renal in vivo antioxidant activities. However, the extract may cause reversible male sterility, anaemia and hypernatraemia.

Antidepressant, anxiolytic, and anticataleptic effects of aqueous leaf extract of Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. (Moraceae) in mice: possible mechanisms of actions

Abstract Background: The leaves of Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. (Moraceae) are used by traditional medicine practitioners in southwest Nigeria in the management of epilepsy, wounds, and neurological disorders. Hence, this study was undertaken to investigate the effect of the aqueous leaf extract of A. toxicaria on the central nervous system. Methods: One hour after administration of A. toxicaria [50-300 mg/kg orally (p.o.)], its antidepressant effect was evaluated using the forced swimming test (FST), anxiolytic effect using elevated plus maze (EPM) test, and anticataleptic effect using haloperidol-induced catalepsy, whereas its effects on hypnosis and motor coordination were studied using hexobarbitone-induced sleeping time and open-field tests, respectively, in mice. Results: Antiaris toxicaria (300 mg/kg) significantly increased swimming activity (36.88%) and reduced immobility time (38.54%). Pretreatment of mice with prazosin (an α1-adrenoceptor antagonist), sulpiride (a D2 receptor antagonist), and l-NG-nitro-arginine (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) 15 min before A. toxicaria (300 mg/kg p.o.) treatment significantly prevented its antidepressant-like effect by 35.58%, 53.30%, and 56.11%, respectively, in the FST. However, pretreatment with metergoline (5-HT2 receptor antagonist), and atropine (muscarinic cholinergic antagonist) failed to reverse this effect. Interestingly, A. toxicaria (50 mg/kg) significantly increased open-arm exploration in the EPM by 70.31%, which was reversed by 82.66% in the presence of flumazenil [3 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.)]. Haloperidol (1 mg/kg i.p.) induced cataleptic behavior in mice, which was reversed by A. toxicaria (300 mg/kg) (p<0.001) treatment. Conclusions: The results suggest that A. toxicaria possesses an antidepressant-like effect involving interaction with α1-adrenoceptor, D2 dopamine receptor, and nitrergic pathway; an anxiolytic-like effect linked to the benzodiazepine system; and a neuroprotective effect.