Histopathological and Biochemical Toxicity of Cymbopogon schoenanthus Essential Oil in Female Mice

Abstract

Background and objectives: The species of Cymbopogon are generally used for different pharmacological effects. No histopathological study has been conducted on the plant’s toxicity so far. Thus, the acute and repeated toxicity of Cymbopogon essential oil were investigated. Methods: The essential oil from aerial parts of Cymbopogon schoenanthus was administered in mice by gavage in both acute and repeated models. The animals were then divided into control and test groups. In the acute toxicity, 2000 mg/kg C. schoenanthus essential oil was administered in mice. Death rate, toxic symptoms, body weight, and abnormal behaviors were also observed for 14 days. In the repeated toxicity, C. schoenanthus essential oil (10, 100, and 200 mg/kg) was daily administered for a 4-week period. On the 28thday, all animals were sacrificed and their blood and tissue samples were prepared. Moreover, clinical, biochemical, and histopathological changes were compared to the control group. Results: No mortality was noticed in the acute test; therefore, the oral LD50 value was determined to be greater than 2000 mg/kg in the female mice. In the repeated test, the animals were given C. schoenanthus essential oil, which consequently showed no mortality and toxic symptoms. The repeated administration of C. schoenanthus essential oil had a variation on glucose, urea, Na+, and K+ levels. Moreover, the terminal necropsies revealed low toxic effects on the liver. Conclusion: The results indicate that the oral acute toxicity of C. schoenanthus essential oil in mice was of a low order with LD50 being more than 2000 mg/kg. Additionally, slight tissue damage to liver was observed when it was administered sub-chronically at the dose of 200 mg/kg.