Subacute hepatotoxicity of alkaloids extracts of Peganum harmala L. seeds in Wistar albino rats

Abstract

Peganum harmala L. is a medicinal herbal plant widely used in Algerian traditional medicine. Some reports indicated the toxicity of this plant. In this context, the present study focused on investigate the subacute toxicity of alkaloids extract of P. harmala seeds on histo-function of the liver in rats. Sixteen adult Wistar albino rats were divided equally into four groups, and treated intraperitoneally for 30 days. Group I served as control, received water. Group II, group III, and Group IV received daily a single dose of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg b.w of crude alkaloids of P. harmala respectively. Blood was collected for the determination of ALT, AST and ALP. Sections of the liver were prepared for histological studies. The results showed a significant decrease in body weights of animals and a significant increase in relative weights of liver in groups III and IV. Treated groups with alkaloids extract of seeds showed a significant increase in the concentration of ALT, AST, and ALP enzymes as compared to control group. These findings were supported with histopathological examination of liver of treated rats. Liver of groups III and IV suffered from severe tissue damage, which included inflammation, cell necrosis, and increase in the volume of some hepatocytes. Some cells contained more than one nucleus and cytoplasm contained micro vacuoles, indicating the onset of steatosis. In conclusion, these biochemical and pathological changes indicate dysfunction with hepatocyte damage. Therefore, the seeds of P. harmala plant must be used in herbal medicine with caution to avoid toxicity to the organism.