Abstract
Senna occidentalis is potentially toxic to humans and animals. Its seeds are crop contaminant weeds in some localities where liver disease is prevalent. This study assessed the subacute hepatotoxicity of S. occidentalis seeds in mice model. Three groups of female Swiss Albino mice (25–28 g, aged 8–10 weeks) received distilled water (control), 400, and 1000 mg/kg extract of S. occidentalis seed, respectively. At the end of the study, body weight and liver organ weight were recorded, and tissue and blood samples were collected and analyzed. The results indicated that the extract treated groups, at both doses, showed significant (p ≤ 0.001) decrease in mean body weight gain in the fourth week of the experiment. Besides, the extract treated groups showed significant (p ≤ 0.001) elevation of liver enzyme markers: alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Also, histopathological examinations of liver tissue showed moderate microvesicular steatosis of hepatocytes and mild inflammation in the 400 mg/kg treated group as well as marked micro- and macrovesicular steatosis, focal area necrosis, and periportal inflammation with mononuclear cell infiltration in the 1000 mg/kg treated group. Thus, these findings show that S. occidentalis seeds exhibit hepatotoxicity in mice, characterized by changes in liver tissue architecture and liver enzyme levels.
Highlights
Introduction e genusSenna belongs to the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
S. occidentalis seeds were collected as per standard techniques of plant collection [19] from Northwestern Tigray of Ethiopia. e plant was authenticated at Mekelle University Department of Biology where a voucher specimen (EM001/ 2017) was deposited. e seeds were taken out of the dried pods and subsequently powdered using coffee grinder. 500 g of powdered seeds was macerated for 72 hrs using 80% methanol with occasional shaking. e extracts were first filtered through clean cotton cloth and with Whatman No 1 filter paper. e residue was remacerated with another volume of 80% methanol and the procedure was repeated twice
Changes in Body and Organ Weight. e mice treated with methanol extract of S. occidentalis seeds at doses of 400 and 1000 mg/kg did not show a statistically significant difference in their mean body weight gain until the third week of administration when compared to the control groups
Summary
Senna belongs to the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) It is one of the largest genera comprising 300–350 species [1]. Some Senna species, mainly their seeds, are reported to cause various forms of toxicities regardless of their numerous potential medicinal values [1]. Various parts of S. occidentalis (seeds, roots, leaves, and stems) are traditionally claimed to be useful in treating different infections and other aliments [9,10,11,12,13,14]. Some toxicity studies indicate the possible safe use of S. occidentalis different plant parts such as the leaves and stems [10]. Despite many medicinal claims, mainly S. occidentalis seeds have been reported to be poisonous to many animal species and humans [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
