Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Sphenocentrum jollyanum (Menispermaceae)

Abstract

The acute toxicity study of the leaves of Sphenocentrum jollyanum (SJ) showed no toxicity when administered up to 11g/kg body weight orally while intra-peritoneal (IP) administration produced dose dependent mortality with median acute toxicity (LD 50 ) of 1445.4 mg/kg. In sub-chronic study, the extract administered for a period of 120 days showed no mortality or morbidity. There was significant weight gain in both treated and control groups while gross examination of internal organs revealed no detectable inflammation. The blood glucose and total cholesterol levels demonstrated dose dependent decrease while high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLcholesterol) increased with dose. In the liver function test, there were no significant (p>0.05) changes in alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspertate amino transferase (AST) in the extract treated animals. The renal function profile, serum creatinine and urea levels were not significantly altered compared to the control. In haematological evaluation, significant increase (p<0.05) in red blood cells (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb) were observed in the treated animals compared to the control while mean corpuscular (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and white blood cells (WBC) showed no significant changes. The result therefore suggests that the leaves extract was potentially safe for consumption orally even at chronic administration.

Acute oral toxicity ofPolyalthia longifoliavar.pendulaleaf extract in Wistar albino rats

“…The methanol extract has some polar constituent which may alter the amount of hemoglobin and RBCs in the blood. This is similar to the results obtained with some other plants (SanchezElsner et al, 2004;Mbaka et al, 2010).…”

Histopathological Effects of Prophylactic Consumption of Sphenocentrum Jollyanum (SJ) Ethanolic Root Extract on Select Organs of Male Albino (Rattus novergicus) Rats

“…It is a deciduous shrub up to 1.5m tall with grey bark and spirally arranged leaves, which are smooth on both sides. [1] It has been shown to possess antihypertensive, antioxidant, antinociceptive, antiviral and anti-angiogenic effects in animals. [1,2] Name & Address of Corresponding Author PinkiRai Demonstrator, Department of Anatomy, SHKM Govt.…”

“…Detailed information on the description [2] , distribution [4] , cultivation [5] , and the medicinal use of the plant has been documented. [1,2,[4][5][6] . Conversely, the use of natural products with therapeutic properties is as ancient as human civilization; using it as the major source of treatment for different ailments.…”

“…[7] In regions with rich diversity of flora spread, it forms an important component of their natural wealth. [6] Herbs and herbal formulations for the treatment of ailments have continued to receive increased attention due to a very strong belief that the products are safe. [8] The assumption to a large extent may have influenced the indiscriminate use of these formulations by many, particularly amongst the rural dwellers.…”

Hepatoprotective Potential of Trichosanthes dioica Roxb in Hepatotoxicity Induced by Simvastatin and its consequences on Biochemical and Haematological Indices

“…32 Lymphocytes are the key cells of the immune system and elevation in its level indicates pathogenic attack and play the chief role in body defense mechanisms. 33,34 Increased level of WBC's and Lymphocytes suggesting that the TME extract challenge the immune system of the animals. Liver protective outcome of TME was further investigated by histopathological study.…”