Sub-acute Toxicity Profile Research Articles

Assessment of the Sub-acute Toxicity Profile of Vitex doniana (Sweet) Leaf Fractions on Albino Rats

Aim: To evaluate the sub-acute toxicity profile of fractions of Vitex doniana using adult albino rats.
 Study Design: An experimental study that lasted for 28 days.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Animal House Unit, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, between January 2019 and March 2019.
 Methodology: Methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane fractions of V. doniana were orally administered to 6 groups of animals at doses of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg body weight for each fraction, for 28 days. At the end of the administration, the animals were sacrificed. Body weight changes, Relative Organ Weights (ROW), haematological analysis, serum biochemical assay and histopathological changes of vital organs were used to evaluate the potential toxic effects of the fractions after treatments.
 Results: The fractions had no adverse effects on the body weights, ROW and gross appearance of the tissues. There were no significant changes in the haematological and biochemical parameters of the treated animals compared to the controls. Histological assessment of the excised organs also showed no overt pathological changes apart from thickened alveolar septa in the lungs of the animals that received methanol and ethyl acetate fractions.
 Conclusion: The polar fractions of V. doniana at the doses tested did not induce any toxic changes in the treated animals.

Toxicological evaluation of Sargassum Wightii greville derived fucoidan in wistar rats: Haematological, biochemical and histopathological evidences

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate the acute and subacute toxicity profile of fucoidan obtained from Sargassum wightii Greville, a brown marine algae in order to assess its safety. MethodsFucoidan was isolated from Sargassum wightii Greviile and subjected to FTIR analysis to confirm the functional groups. In acute toxicity study, a single dose of fucoidan (2000 mg/kg) was orally administered to three female rats as per OECD guideline 423. OECD guidelines 407 was adopted for subacute toxicity study. Fucoidan was orally administered to male and female rats at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. Hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses were carried out. ResultsFTIR analysis confirmed the presence of major functional groups. The animals did not show any remarkable toxic signs or mortality in acute toxicity study at single oral administration of fucoidan at the dose of 2000 mg/kg bodyweight. In subacute toxicity, no statistically significant difference in body weight, relative weight of vital organs, food and water intake compared to the control group was observed. Serum glucose and cholesterol showed a statistically significant reduction at all the doses when compared to normal control and the reduction was in a dose dependent manner. There were no other changes observed in biochemical or haematological parameters. Histopathological analysis showed no significant toxic signs at organ levels in treated groups when compared to normal control. ConclusionsBased on the results obtained from acute and subacute toxicity study, fucoidan is considered to be safe in the models tested, which encourages its long term administration for medicinal uses. This study supports the application of fucoidan as a traditional medicine.

Acute and sub-acute toxicity profile of methanol leaf extract of Geophila obvallata on renal and hepatic indices in Wistar rats

The study evaluates the toxic effects of acute and sub-acute oral administration of methanol extracts of Geophila obvallata in rats. During acute study, a dose of 1600, 2900 and 5000 mg/kg bw of ex...

Acute and Subacute Toxicity Profiles of the Methanol Extract of Lycopersicon esculentum L. Leaves (Tomato), a Botanical with Promising In Vitro Anticancer Potential.

Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) is a plant widely used in Africa like food and to solve many health problems. The methanol crude extract of tomato recently demonstrated a good antiproliferative effect on many human cancer cell lines. The aim of this research was to evaluate the acute toxicity and subacute oral toxicity of methanolic extract from leaves of this plant. These toxicities were evaluated based on the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) guidelines. The assay of acute toxicity was performed using a total of 3 female rats, which received a single dose of 5000 mg/kg of methanolic extract via oral gavage. For the subacute toxicity study, 32 Wistar rats (males and females) were used. The groups were treated with three different doses of Lycopersicon esculentum methanolic extract (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg b.w.) for 28 days and the control group received distilled water. The hematological, biochemical, and histopathological studies were performed after the sacrifice. Single dose of tomato extract caused no toxicity up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight; hence, the median lethal dose (DL50) of leaves of this plant was greater than this value. However, lower toxic effects could be manifested in the long-term treatment at the highest dose (1000 mg/kg) because urea level and total serum proteins significantly increased at a dose of 1000 mg/kg with respect to control. The microscopic observation showed no remarkable pathological changes on all organs in the treated groups compared with the control groups of female and male rats. These results demonstrate that single dose of tomato extract leaves is relatively nontoxic at a dose of 5000 mg/kg b.w. and prolonged use of lower doses (250 and 500 mg/kg) of L. esculentum orally should be encouraged, whereas highest dose (1000 mg/kg) should be avoided.

Sub-acute toxicological study of artemisinin-piperaquine tablets in rhesus monkeys

Artemisinin-piperaquine tablet (trade name Artequick, ATQ), is a novel combination therapy for the treatment of malaria and especially for resistant P.falciparum malaria. The aim of our study was to assess the potential sub-acute toxicity profile of ATQ by oral administration route in rhesus monkeys. Monkeys were administrated once daily with doses of ATQ (39.1, 78.2, 156.4 mg/kg) for 21 days and then followed-up a 56-day recovery period. The administration of ATQ at high dose produced significant changes in the clinical signs primarily involved in gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Body weight loss, significant decrease in food consumption and body temperature were observed in monkeys at high dose. Various hematological and biochemical parameters changes, and significant pathological lesions (adrenal gland, thymus and femur epiphyseal) were observed in the middle and high dose group at the end of the treatment period. However, the toxic effects of ATQ were reversed and delayed adverse drug reaction did not occur during the recovery period. Based on the results of this study, the no-observed-adverse-effect level for ATQ was considered to be 39.1 mg/kg in rhesus monkeys.

Study of Sub-Acute Toxicity Profile of Fenugreek (Trigonellafaenum-Graecum) Seeds in Kidney Tissues of Albino Rat: A Randomized Control Trial

Background : The objective of the present study was to evaluate the sub-acute toxic effects of ethanol extract of fenugreek seeds on kidney tissues of albino rats.
 Materials and methods: The present study was conducted on 30 albino rats divided into Group A, B, C, D and R. Group A (Control group) was treated with distilled water. Group B, Group C and Group D were treated orally with ethanol extract of fenugreek seeds at a dose of 1.25 gm/kg/day, 2.5 gm/kg/day and 5 gm/kg/day respectively for 90 consecutive days. Group R (Recovery group) was treated with seed extract of 5 gm/kg/day for 90 days followed by no treatment for next 28 days to observe any toxic effect if present in highest dose whether reversible or not. On 91st day all the animals of Group A, Group B, Group C and Group D were sacrificed and Group R was sacrificed on 119th day. Blood sample was collected from all the rats by cardiac puncture before sacrifice for measurement of biochemical and hematological parameters, and kidneys were collected for histopathological examination after sacrifice.
 Results: Upto 2.5 gm /kg/day dose level, all parameters of all experimental groups were statistically not significant when compared with control group. At 5 gm/kg/ day dose level the seeds extract produced statistically significant change in biochemical parameters such as serum creatinine and blood urea. In gross microscopic examination of kidney, at the highest dose level showed the sign of cell injury like cellular swelling, hemorrhage, inflammatory cells infiltration, necrosis etc. Interestingly, these biochemical and microscopic findings at the highest dose level were absent in recovery group.
 Conclusion: Finally, the study revealed that ethanol extract of fenugreek seeds was non toxic up to 2.5 gm/kg/day dose level and produce renal toxicity at 5 gm/kg/day dose level in sub acute toxicity test. So, if needed to use in higher therapeutic dose the toxicity profile of seeds extract must be re-evaluated.
 Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.18 (1); Jan 2019; Page 36-43

Evaluation of pharmacological activity of chadraprabha vati on serum of albino wistar strain rats

The current study is to develop the acute and sub-acute toxicity profile of some ayurvedic Bhasma and un-derstand the side effects due to the presence of heavy metals. Chandraprabha vati pill were weighed, powdery and suspended in water had made into liquid formulation. The animals were classified and treated with the doses of Chandraprabha vati (50and five hundred mg/kg) in rat. The dose was calculat-ed by extrapolating the equivalent human dose (1 and ten times) and was administered orally between ten and eleven after median daily for twenty eight days, during alylin a very volume not exceeding one ml/100 g rat weight. Blood was collected on seven, fourteen and twenty eight days, later they were sacri-ficed for histopathological studies.

Sub-acute toxicity profile of methanolic leaf extract of Securidaca longipedunculata in rats

This study investigates the toxicological profile of Securidaca longipedunculatain rats. Sub- acute toxicity study was conducted by oral administration of the extracts to rats at daily doses of 25, 50 and 100mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Methanol leaf extract of S. longipedunculata caused significant (p< 0.05) increase in serum urea, creatinine, sodium & proteins but significantly (p< 0.05) decreased the serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and cholesterol concentration when compared with the controls. However, there was no significant (p> 0.05) difference in serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), potassium, triglyceride albumin and bilirubin concentration when compared with control. Jobelyn and dexamethazone caused significant (p< 0.05) increase in serum AST, urea, triglycerides, sodium and protein. Dexamethazone caused significant increase (p<0.05) in bilirubin, cholesterol, and a decrease in serum ALP and creatinine concentration when compared with the control. The extract also had no significant (p>0.05) effect on hematological parameters except for a significant increase (p<0.05) in white blood cells when compared with the normal control. The plant extracts have shown no serious adverse effect on hematological and biochemical parameters. Thus, S. longipedunculata methanol leaf extract could be considered as a natural source of antibiotics for therapeutic purposes.

Safety assessment of Gyejibokryeong-hwan water extract: Study of acute and subacute toxicity, and influence on drug metabolizing enzymes

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGyejibokryeong-hwan is a traditional herbal medicine and is reported to have various pharmacological actions. Despite many reports of previous studies, there is limited scientific evidence concerning its safety and few drug-metabolism profiles to support the continued therapeutic application of Gyejibokryeong-hwan. Aim of the studyThe purpose of the present study was to investigate the acute and subacute toxicity profile of a Gyejibokryeong-hwan water extract (GBHW) in vivo, and its effects on the activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes in vitro. Materials and methodsAcute and subacute toxicity was evaluated by giving GBHW to rats. In a study of acute toxicity, the rats were given GBHW by single oral gavage administration at 0 and 5000 mg/kg. In a study of subacute toxicity, rats were given GBHW by oral gavage at 0, 1000, 2000, and 5000 mg/kg/day daily for 28 days. The activities of the major human microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isozymes were investigated using fluorescence- and luminescence-based enzyme assays in vitro, respectively. ResultsGBHW did not cause any mortality in the study of acute toxicity. In the study of subacute toxicity, GBHW at more than 2000 mg/kg/day was observed with minor changes in the absolute and relative organ weight, hematology, serum biochemistry and urinalysis parameters in rats of either sex. However, these changes were not considered to be important toxicologically. GBHW moderately inhibited the activities of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2E1, CYP3A4, and UGT1A1. ConclusionsOur present data suggest that GBHW does not cause toxicologically important adverse events at doses up to 2000 mg/kg/day in the 4-week repeated dose toxicity study and provide valuable information concerning its potential to interact with conventional medicine.

Sub-Acute Oral Toxicity of a Novel Derivative of Agomelatine in Rats in a Sex-Dependent Manner.

Agomelatine (AGO) is a new type of antidepressant with demonstrated antidepressant effects and a unique modulating circadian rhythm action. However, AGO has hepatotoxicity, which limits its clinical application. In order to develop new drugs that cause less liver injury than AGO, a series of derivatives were synthesized; compound GW117 was screened from derivatives due to its high receptor affinity. This study will investigate its sub-acute oral toxicity profile in rats in a sex-dependent manner. GW117 and AGO was administrated by gavage (200, 400, or 800 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. Hematological, biochemical tests, organ weights, histopathological examinations were carried out, the results showed that AGO and GW117 had adverse effects on platelet, liver and kidney, and had sex-differences in some indicators. Hematological tests showed that AGO and GW117 reduced the platelet count in male animals but had no effect in females. AGO increased plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin in male animals, and GW117 had no effect on these two indicators. For females, AGO moderately elevated ALT, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin, while GW117 only elevated ALP slightly. Two drugs could increase liver weight and coefficient, and cause liver pathological injury, including hepatic sinusoidal dilatation, hepatocyte fatty deposition and dotted cell necrosis in two genders. AGO caused mild to moderate hepatocyte and hepatobiliary injury in both genders, while only a mild hepatobiliary injury was caused by GW117 in females. Renal function tests showed that both drugs can increase blood urea nitrogen levels in males, while AGO, but not GW117, can slightly increase blood creatinine and urea nitrogen in females. The kidney weight and coefficient could be significantly increased by two drugs in males, and by AGO medium and GW117 high and low doses in females. The kidney pathological damage was mainly characterized by tubule dilatation, a thinning of the renal cortex. Kidney damage caused by GW117 was less than that of AGO, and there was no sex-difference. In summary, GW117 can cause mild liver and kidney damage in both genders, as well as mild platelets reduction in males, while degree of damage is less severe than AGO. Therefore, as an excellent derivative, GW117 deserves further development as an antidepressant.

Sub-acute toxicity evaluation of ethanol extract of rheumatic tea formula (a polyherbal tea) in wistar rats

Sub-acute toxicity profile of Rheumatic Tea Formula (RTF), a polyherbal tea consisting of Salix alba, Eucalyptus globulus and Albizia chevalieri was investigated in wistar rats of both sexes. Wistar rats were orally administered three different doses of ethanol extract of RTF for 28 days after which the effect on body weight, feed consumption, water intake, liver and kidney functions as well as haematological parameters were evaluated. Also evaluated was the histolopathogical effect of the extract on the liver, kidney, spleen and stomach. The extract significantly (p 0.05) on kidney function indices was observed. There was also no significant effect (p > 0.05) on haematological parameters, except for WBC differentials where there was significant (p <0.05) elevation of lymphocytes and decrease in neutrophils. The extract was relatively non-toxic on kidney, liver, spleen, and stomach in the histopathological evaluations. The present study suggests that RTF extract might have no serious deleterious effect on sub-acute administration. Keywords : Rheumatic Tea Formula, sub-acute toxicity, liver, kidney, blood, wistar rats.

Acute and Subacute Toxicity Profile of Asparagus racemosus root extract, Isoprinosine and Shatvari Syrup in Swiss Albino Mice

The present study was carried out to evaluate the safety of Asparagus racemosus root ethanol extract, isoprinosine and shatvari syrup by acute ad subacute toxicity studies. Acute and subacute oral toxicity study was conducted according to the guidelines of OECD 425 and 407 respectively. In acute oral toxicity, mice were administered with 2000 mg/ kg body weight of ARE, STR and IPR respectively and were observed continuously for the first 4 h and for the next 24 h and for the following 48 h after administration of the test substances. In the subacute toxicity studies, ARE, STR and IPR were given orally at the dose of 2000 mg/ kg body weight daily for 28 days. General behavior, adverse effects and mortality were observed throughout the experimental period. Food and water intake, body and organ weight variations, hematological and biochemical parameters, histopathological changes were assessed. No mortality or signs of acute toxicity was observed in the mice at the maximum tolerable dose of 2000 mg/kg. The results did not show any treatment related abnormalities in terms of hematological and biochemical parameters in sub-acute toxicity tests. No significant differences in body weight and organ weight between the control and treated groups were observed. Histopathological analysis showed no morphological changes of the vital organs namely liver and kidney between the control and treated groups. These results concluded that ARE, STR and IPR did not cause any mortality and signs of toxicity at maximum tolerable dose of 2000 mg/kg in mice.

Acute and subacute toxicity profiles of thymoquinone-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier in BALB/c mice.

BackgroundThymoquinone (TQ), the predominant active lipophilic component in Nigella sativa seed oil, has a variety of pharmacological properties such as anticancer activities. However, translation of TQ to clinical phase is still not possible due to its hydrophobic properties. This problem can be solved by encapsulating it in nanoformulations to enhance its pharmacological properties. In our previous study, TQ has been successfully encapsulated in a nanostructured lipid carrier (hereinafter referred to as TQNLC) with excellent physiochemical properties such as high encapsulation efficiency, high drug-loading capacity, particle diameter less than 100 nm, and stability up to 2 years. In vitro studies also proved that TQNLC exhibited antiproliferative activity toward breast and cervical cancer cell lines. However, no toxicity profile related to this formulation has been reported. In this study, we determine and compare the in vivo toxicity of both TQNLC and TQ.Materials and methodsThe in vivo toxicity (acute and subacute toxicity) study was carried out by oral administration of TQNLC and TQ to BALB/c mice. Animal survival, body weight, organ weight-to-body weight ratio, hematological profile, biochemistry profile, and histopathological changes were analyzed.ResultsIn acute toxicity, TQ that is loaded in nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) was found to be less toxic than pure TQ. It can be concluded that encapsulation of TQ in lipid carrier minimizes the toxicity of the compound. In the subacute toxicity study, oral administration of 100 mg/kg of TQNLC and TQ did not cause mortality to either male or female but resulted in toxicity to the liver. It is postulated that long-term consumption of TQNLC and TQ may cause toxicity to the liver but not to the extent of altering the functions of the organ. For both treatments, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was found to be 10 mg/kg/d for mice in both sexes.ConclusionFor long-term oral consumption, TQ and TQNLC at a dose of 10 mg/kg is safe in mice and does not exert any toxic effect. The results provide safety information of TQNLC, which would further help researchers in clinical use.

Toxicity and Safety Profiles of Methanolic Extract of Pistacia integerrima J. L. Stewart ex Brandis (PI) for Wistar Rats.

Objectives:The goals of this research were to evaluate acute (single-dose) and sub-acute (repeated-dose) toxicity profiles of methanolic extract of Pistacia integerrima J. L. Stewart ex Brandis (PI) for Wistar rats and to assess the safety profile of PI by observing physiological changes, mortality, changes in body weight, the histopathology of body organs, the hematology and the biochemistry of the animals.Methods:The toxicity profile of PI was evaluated using Wistar rats of both sexes. Animals were divided into four groups: Group 1; control group (normal saline), Group 2; PI-1 (250 mg/kg), Group 3; PI-2 (500 mg/kg), Group 4; PL-3 (1,000 mg/kg). An acute-toxicity study in which animals received a single dose of PI extract (2,000 mg/ kg) and were then observed for 14 days for changes in skin, fur, eye color, mucous membrane secretions and excretions, gait, posture, and tonic or clonic movements was performed according to guideline 425 of the Organization of Economic and Corporation Development (OECD). In the repeated-dose toxicity study (OECD – 407) animals received a daily dose of PI extract for 28 days (4 weeks). The parameters observed in this study include body weight, hematology and biochemistry of the animals.Results:In the acute toxicity study, no mortalities or changes in behavior were noted in the animals. The repeated-dose toxicity study was also devoid of any toxicity in the animals during the 28 days of testing with PI extract. The extract did not alter- the body weight, hematology or biochemistry of the animals. The methanolic extract of PI was to be found safe to the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for the single- dose and repeated-dose toxicity tests in rats.Conclusion:The methanolic extract of PI was devoid of toxicity; hence, it can be used for various ayurvedic preparations and treatments of diseases.

Sub-acute and chronic toxicity profiles of Markhamia tomentosa ethanolic leaf extract in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMarkhamia tomentosa (Benth.) K. Schum Ex Engl. (Bignoniaceae) is used in traditional African medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea, oedema, pain and malaria. The leaf extract was reported to show no visible sign of toxicity on acute exposure. This present study investigates the sub-acute and chronic toxicity effects of Markhamia tomentosa in rats. Materials and methodsThe animals (n=6/group) were treated daily with the extract at doses of 40, 200 and 1000mg/kg orally for 28 and 90 days. Control rats received distilled water and all animals were weighed at 7 days interval. The haematological, biochemical and histological parameters were determined. ResultsThe extract showed non-significant changes in body weight gain of treated compared to control rats in both studies. Extract significantly decreased red blood cell (RBC), mean cell haemoglobin concentration and increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) parameters after the 28 day study. In the 90 day study, a significant increase in white blood cell, RBC, platelets and decrease in MCV and mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) parameters were observed. Biochemical parameters were significantly changed in both studies; triglycerides, total protein, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and albumin showed significant increase while creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and uric acid levels showed significant decrease. Significant increase in liver weight with no treatment-related histological changes was observed in all harvested vital organs. ConclusionMarkhamia tomentosa extract elicited non-toxic effect in the liver and kidney function parameters in rats. Thus, the extract is safe when administered orally.

Pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time and sub-acute toxicity studies of Trichilia monadelpha aqueous extract

Background: Trichilia monadelpha is used either alone or in combination with other plants to treat many diseases in West Africa. Earlier, the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-parasitic effects of the plant have been investigated to confirm its folkloric use. The current study is aimed at investigating the sub-acute toxicity profile as well as hypno-sedative effect of the Trichilia monadelpha aqueous extract (TAE). Methods: For the pentobarbitone-induced sleeping test, rats (150-200 g, n=5) were pre-treated with TAE (100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o. ) or distilled water (control group) 30 minutes before they were challenged with Pentobarbitone Sodium (50 mg/kg body weight , i.p ). Sleeping time of each animal was recorded and analysed. In the sub-acute toxicity test, rats were treated daily either TAE (30, 100 and 1000 mg/kg) or water (control group) for two weeks after which the animals were sacrificed. Blood samples were collected for haematological and biochemical analyses. Specific organs were then removed and weighed immediately. Results: The pentobarbitone-induced sleeping test resulted in a significant and dose-dependent increase in the duration of sleep of the rats. There were however no significant changes in the relative weight of vital organs of the control and TAE treated groups. Similarly, there were no significant differences in haematological and biochemical parameters between control and TAE treated groups. Conclusions: TAE significantly and dose-dependently increased the duration of pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time in rats. TAE showed no significant changes in the relative weight of the vital organs, haematological and biochemical parameters.

Acute and Subacute Toxicological Evaluation of the Aerial Extract of Monsonia angustifolia E. Mey. ex. A. Rich in Wistar Rats.

The acute and subacute toxicity profile of the aerial extract of Monsonia angustifolia in Wistar rats was evaluated. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 420 guideline was adopted in the acute toxicity testing with a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg (b.w.). For the 28-day daily oral dosing, the extract was administered at 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg b.w.; 1% ethanol in sterile distilled water was used as control. Clinical toxicity signs were subsequently evaluated. At a single dose of 5000 mg/kg b.w. the extract elicited no treatment-related signs of toxicity in the animals during the 14 days of experimental period. In the subacute toxicity, there was no significant difference in hematological, renal, and liver function indices. However, dose-dependent significant increases were observed on the plasma concentrations of white blood cell and platelet counts of the treated animals compared to the control group. While cage observations revealed no treatment-facilitated signs of toxicity, histopathological examinations of the kidneys and liver also showed no obvious lesions and morphological changes. These results suggest that the extract may be labelled and classified as safe and practically nontoxic within the doses and period of investigation in this study.

Acute and Sub-acute Toxicity Profile of Aqueous Leaf Extract of &lt;i&gt;Nymphaea lotus&lt;/i&gt; Linn (Nymphaeaceae) in Wistar Rats

Purpose: To evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicity profile of the aqueous leaf extract of Nymphaea lotus L in Wistar rats.Methods: Acute toxicity study was performed by administering a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight of the extract to 5 rats while distilled water was given to another 5 rats (control), and the animals were observed for 14 days. Thereafter, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of the extract were administered to different groups of 5 rats each daily for 28 days while control received distilled water. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and the serum obtained was used for the assessment of haematological and biochemical parameters. Histological examination was also performed on the liver and kidney of the rats.Results: The concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (42.56 U/L), aspartate aminotransferase (126.01 U/L) and alkaline phosphatase (183.33 U/L) significantly decreased while creatinine (0.64 mg/dL) and chloride ions (94.50 mmol/L) were significantly elevated (p &lt; 0.05) compared to those of control following the extract treatment. Haematological parameters were not significantly different (p &gt; 0.05) from those of control except white blood cell count (7.80 × 109/L), lymphocytes (5.20 %) and monocytes (2.72 %) which were significantly elevated (p 0.05) in the 100 and 200 mg/kg treated groups. Histopathology did not reveal any sign of lesions or pathological changes in the organs that could be attributed to treatment with the plant extract.Conclusions: These results suggest that the aqueous leaf extract of Nymphaea lotus may be safe for use at the doses tested.Keywords: Nymphaea lotus, Toxicity, White Blood Count, Alkaline Phosphatase, Histology

Sub-acute toxicity profile of a modified resveratrol supplement

Longevinex, a nutraceutical formulation containing Resveratrol as the main component along with other polyphenolics exhibits diverse health benefits but systemic safety studies are lacking. Hence, to test the safety of Longevinex use for therapeutic purposes, 50 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=10; 5M, 5F) wherein group I as vehicle treated control, group II and group III received 50 mg and 100 mg of plain Resveratrol respectively and group IV and group V received 50 mg and 100 mg of Longevinex respectively for a period of 28 days. All toxicological parameters were analyzed as per OECD-407 guidelines. Results showed treatment with Resveratrol and Longevinex did not result in any mortality of rats neither did they exhibit any clinical signs of toxicity. Hematological and biochemical analysis of serum enzymes and metabolites were not significantly altered between Longevinex and control rats. Likewise, histopathological analysis for various organs did not reveal significant changes in the vital organs of the treated rats. The study revealed that there were no significant treatment related adverse effects in rats exposed to Longevinex for 28 days and considered safe at the given dose where compared to plain Resveratrol.

Ultrastructural and Biochemical Alterations in Rats Exposed to Crude Extract of Carex baccans and Potentilla fulgens

The use of plants as a source of medicine is an important component of the health care system in rural India. Carex baccans (Cyperaceae) and Potentilla fulgens (Rosaceae) have been known since ancient times in northeast India for their antitumor, antidiabetic, and antihelmintic properties. The present study was designed to determine the subacute toxicity profile of the root tuber extract of C. baccans and root-peel extract of P. fulgens in Wistar rats. The subacute oral toxicity was conducted using sublethal doses of 40, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 400 mgkg-1 body weights. Surface topographical and ultrastructural observations of liver and intestinal microvilli showed remarkable deformation and disruption, accompanied by quantitative changes in the liver enzymes, i.e., aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in comparison to those of the control group. Apoptotic cell death was observed in the liver cells of rats exposed to both of the plant extracts. A significant increase in splenic lymphocyte count was also observed in rats exposed to the highest concentration of both extracts. The results showed that consumption of the plant extracts at higher doses may cause toxicological effect if treatment continues for a long time.