Oroxylum indicum extract, at a physiologically relevant dosage, does not induce hepatotoxicity in C57BL/6J mice

Abstract

Botanical supplements provide several beneficial health effects. However, they can induce unintended adverse events, including hepatotoxicity. Oroxylum indicum extract (OIE, Sabroxy®) has several health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antifungal, antibacterial and neuroprotective effects. However, it is unknown whether OIE can cause hepatotoxicity. In the current study, we sought to determine whether OIE can induce hepatotoxicity in C57BL/6J mice. The male mice were fed powdered rodent food (control group) or powdered rodent food mixed with OIE (Sabroxy®, 500mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks. Following the treatment, serum levels of various biomarkers, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and liver histology were assessed to detect hepatotoxicity. No significant alterations were observed in liver histology, and serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, albumin, globulin and total protein in the OIE fed mice compared to the control mice. Taken together, our results suggest that OIE, when fed at its physiologically relevant concentration, does not induce hepatotoxicity in C57BL/6J mice.