Subchronic toxicity study of the characterized hydroalcoholic extract of Paederia foetida (L.) leaves in swiss albino mice

Abstract

• Chemical characterization of hydroalcoholic extract of paederia foetida (Linn.). • HPTLC fingerprinting profile of hydroalcoholic extract of P. foetida. • Sub chronic toxicity profile of hydroalcoholic extract of P. foetida. • In vivo safety assessment of hydroalcoholic extract of P. foetida according to OECD guideline 408. Paederia foetida Linn. have long been used as traditional medicines in subtropical countries for various diseases such as treatment of rheumatism, diarrhoea, inflammation, piles, snake bites, toothaches and a variety of other ailments. Phytochemical investigations of P. foetida leaves suggest the presence of glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, amino acids and volatile oils. HPTLC fingerprint of hydroalcoholic extract of P. foetida leaves (HAPF) was developed for the quality control. Since the toxicity of a plant following repeated exposure is of higher clinical significance, the present investigation was conducted to establish the subchronic toxicity profile of the HAPF. Sub-chronic oral toxicity study of HAPF was done according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guideline, HAPF was administered to swiss albino mice at doses of 1000, 300 and 100 mg/kg b. w. per day for 90 days. There was no significant ( p < 0.05) difference observed in the consumption of food and water, body weight and relative organ weights in different treatment groups comparison with vehicle treated mice. Changes in haematological and serum biochemical levels were not significant ( p < 0.05), which showed that long-term oral consumption of HAPF had no adverse effects. The histopathology examination did not show any differences in the organs that are critical to life. Based on what we found, HAPF is safe for long-term oral consumption at doses up to 1000 mg/kg body weight.