Abstract
Aristolochia longa L. (Aristolochiaceae) is an herbaceous plant recognized in alternative medicine for its many therapeutic virtues. The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacotoxicological effects of this plant in order to ensure safe clinical use. The oral toxicity of the aqueous extract of A. longa roots was performed in vivo on Wistar rats at doses of 0.8, 1.25, 2, 2.5, and 5 g/kg/day for 21 days. Clinical signs were observed throughout the experimental period, followed by measurement of body weight change, while selected biochemical parameters, as well as relative organ weights and the histology of liver, kidney, and intestinal tissues, were evaluated after 6, 11, and 16 days and then at the end of 21 days of daily administration. At repeated doses for 21 days, the extract contributed to significant weight gain, in both control and treated rats. The global analysis of hepatic and renal biomarkers showed a significant increase between control and different doses of the extract, from the first to the third week of treatment, indicating the likely toxic effect of the extract on liver and kidney function. Organ toxicity was confirmed by histopathological examination, which revealed greater renal and hepatic parenchymal changes in animals treated with a high dose beyond the 16th day. At the end of the treatment, relatively small size of intestinal villi was also observed. It was concluded that ALAE has a low toxicity potential in nonprolonged oral administrations. However, at high chronic oral doses, A. longa appears to have significant toxicity on the organs tested.
Highlights
Traditional medicine based on the use of medicinal plants for the prevention and treatment of many diseases continues to be used, and over the past decade, its popularity has increased. is widespread use usually comes from the belief that medicinal plants have very low toxicity due to their natural origin. e practices of traditional medicine vary from one country to another and from one region to another. ey are influenced by factors such as culture, history, and personal philosophies
Aristolochia longa, belonging to the Aristolochiaceae family, is a plant frequently required in Moroccan traditional medicine and known locally as “Barraztam.” It is a widespread species in North Africa, Europe, and Asia [6]
50 g of powder was macerated in 500 mL of distilled water for 24 hours. e macerate was centrifuged and filtered using a filter paper (Whatman). e filtrate obtained was evaporated to dryness at 50°C by a rotary evaporator. e aqueous extract obtained was conserved at 4°C until other uses
Summary
Traditional medicine based on the use of medicinal plants for the prevention and treatment of many diseases continues to be used, and over the past decade, its popularity has increased. is widespread use usually comes from the belief that medicinal plants have very low toxicity due to their natural origin. e practices of traditional medicine vary from one country to another and from one region to another. ey are influenced by factors such as culture, history, and personal philosophies. Is widespread use usually comes from the belief that medicinal plants have very low toxicity due to their natural origin. E practices of traditional medicine vary from one country to another and from one region to another. According to the WHO, nearly 80% of people in developing countries use natural products [1, 2], which are practically the only therapeutic arsenal available to traditional healers [3]. Ese medicinal plants can constitute important resources for new substances with therapeutic potential and low cost [4]. Aristolochia longa, belonging to the Aristolochiaceae family, is a plant frequently required in Moroccan traditional medicine and known locally as “Barraztam.” It is a widespread species in North Africa, Europe, and Asia [6]. The most widespread use of A. longa in Morocco concerns the treatment of cancer
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