Toxicity Evaluation of Aqueous Extracts of <i>Allium cepa</i> and Coriandrum Sativum in Rats

Abstract

Objectives : Allium cepa and Coriandrum sativum are reported in the Ayurvedic literature for hypolipidemic activities. Aqueous extracts of A. cepa and C. sativum prior to the assessment of the efficacy of the extracts for antiobesity potential were investigated for the safety of acute oral exposure in rats. Materials and Methods : Aqueous extracts of A. cepa or C. sativum was administered orally in a sequential manner to one animal each at 2000 and 5000 mg/kg limit test of sighting study followed by four animals at 5000 mg/kg in the main study as per Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline 420. The experimental animals were observed for mortality, adverse clinical signs, alterations in the body weights, and gross pathological lesions at necropsy. Similar procedure was adopted for the other test substance. Results : Aqueous extracts of A. cepa or C. sativum treated rats survived throughout the study period and did not exhibit any treatment-related adverse clinical signs at the tested dose levels. The overall percent body weight gain in rats treated with aqueous extracts of A. cep a or C. sativum was found to be normal during the 14 days observation period. At necropsy, the rats did not reveal any major pathological lesions. Conclusion : In summary, acute oral toxicity testing of aqueous extracts of A. cepa and C. sativum did not demonstrate any treatment-related adverse effects up to the dose level of 5000 mg/kg body weight, and hence the tested products were labeled unclassified in the hazard category according to Globally Harmonized System.