Phytochemical Test and Acute Safety Evaluation of Oral Purple Leaves (Graptophyllum Pictum L. Griff) Extract in Rats

Abstract

Background: Purple leaves (Graptophyllum pictum (L) Griff) is a native plant from Indonesia (Polynesia) which is empirically common used to treat hemorrhoids, diabetes, and many other diseases. Despite its massive development globally, there are few studies have written about the toxicity of this herbal medicine. Aim: The aim of this study is to describe the acute toxicity of this herbal medicine, as the basic ground of the further safe development of this medicine. Method: Each purple leaf dry powder (2 kg) was extracted with 15 L of 70% ethanol and 15 L of hexane by maceration method for 3 days at room temperature and then filtered to obtain macerate liquid. The study was conducted on 36 male 6-8 weeks, Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. The result was presented as the mean value ± standard deviation (SD). Data were evaluated for homogeneity using Saphiro Wilk. The comparisons between pre dan post treatment body weight were measured by paired student t test and hematological measurements were analyzed by ANOVA. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Acute toxicity of ethanol and hexane extract were assessed following a single dose administered by gavage at a dose of 50, 2000 and 3000 g/kg bw. The mean body weight of rats increased from 150 ± 2.22 g to 161 ± 6.68 g during the 14 days. The difference of body weight between before and at 14 days amongs groups were significantly different with P value <0.01. Conclusion: The present study showed that hexane extract contains more valuable components for medical treatment purposes. The acute toxicity on 50, 2000,3000 kg/BW oral ethanol and hexane extract of Graptophyllum pictum showed no significant influence on hematological blood parameters of rats. It is safe to administered orally ethanol or hexane extract of G. pictum below 3000mg/kgBW rats.