Toxicological evaluation of chronic oral administration of Justicia schimperiana (Hochst. ex Nees) T. Anderson leaf 80% methanolic extract in Wistar albino rats

Abstract

BackgroundJusticia schimperiana has been widely used for the treatment of various human ailments without scientific proof for chronic toxicity. Thus, this study is aimed to evaluate the chronic toxicity of 80% methanolic extracts of the leaves of Justicia schimperiana in rats. MethodsAn 80% crude methanolic extract of the plant leaves was orally administered to Wistar albino rats for 6 months. The experiment was conducted in accordance with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's guideline number 452. Twenty rats per group and sex were randomly assigned to three treatment groups and a control group. Daily doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of the extract diluted with distilled water were administered orally to the rats. Rats in the control group received distilled water orally. Weekly body weight and daily food intake were measured. At the end, rats were sacrificed for histopathological, biochemical and hematological tests. The statistical analysis was done using the Kruskal-Wallis test and one-way analysis of variance. ResultsSix months daily oral administration of the plant extract did not significantly affect the rats’ food consumption, organ weight, and histopathology. Rats treated with 1000 mg/kg extract, however, significantly increased liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase), and kidney function tests (creatinine and urea). Additionally, the high dose extract administered rats showed significantly lower red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit compared to the control group. ConclusionSix months oral administration in Wistar albino rats in this experiment indicated that Justicia schimperiana is relatively safe at lower and medium doses. However, increased liver enzymes, increased kidney function tests and decreased red blood cell indices was observed in rats treated at higher doses. To obtain a thorough understanding of the plant's toxicity profile, it is advised that future studies be conducted on teratogenicity and reproductive toxicity.