Biochemical and histopathological effects on liver due to acute oral toxicity of aqueous leaf extract of Ecliptaalba on female Swiss albino mice

Abstract

Background:Limited data is available about the toxicity of herbal remedies used for self-medication. Since a popular medicinal plant Ecliptaalba contains various bioactive molecules, the present study aimed to observe the biochemical and histological changes in liver associated with acute oral toxicity (LD50) of aqueous extract of E. alba (L.) Hassk. in female Swiss albino mice.Materials and Methods:For the acute oral toxicity study, the animals were divided into six groups of 6 mice each. Group– I was normal control and the treatment groups were administered aqueous leaf extract of E. alba orally at different doses of 500 mg (group – I),1750 mg (group–III), 2000 mg (group- IV), 2500 mg (group- V) and 3000 mg/ kg/b.wt.(group- VI) for seven consecutive days. The mice were sacrificed on the eighth day and blood was collected for the analysis of ALP (alkaline phosphatase), SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transferase), total protein and albumin. The liver was dissected, weighed, and processed for histopathological analysis.Results:The LD50 was found to be 2316.626 mg/kg /body weight in female mice. Serum SGPT, total protein and albumin increased in treated group- IV (P < 0.05), V (P < 0.01), and VI (P < 0.01) as compared to the control (group- I). ALP level significantly decreased in the treated group- IV (P < 0.05), V (P < 0.01) and VI (P < 0.01). Histopathological changes were observed at dose of 2000 mg (group- IV), 2500 mg (group- V) and 3000 mg (group- VI).Conclusion:It was concluded that oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of E. alba had detrimental effects on biochemical parameters and induced histopathological alterations in liver of female Swiss albino mice at doses higher than 2000 mg/kg/day indicating that its indiscriminate use should be avoided.

Safety of Aqueous Extract of Calea ternifolia Used in Mexican Traditional Medicine

“…Mossoba et al [33], in a study of cell and mitochondrial function in human cells of the proximal tubule of the kidney (HK-2), reported elevated levels of nephrotoxicity biomarkers in C. ternifolia. Singh et al [34], in studies of E. alba of the family Astereaceae, which contains flavonoids, reported similar results in the liver with adverse biochemical and histological effects at a concentration of 2,500 mg/kg. ey observed that the oral administration of an aqueous extract of E. alba in female rats produced harmful effects on biochemical parameters and increased transaminase levels after liver damage due to induced membrane permeability; in a similar study alteration was found [33].…”

“…ey observed that the oral administration of an aqueous extract of E. alba in female rats produced harmful effects on biochemical parameters and increased transaminase levels after liver damage due to induced membrane permeability; in a similar study alteration was found [33]. Later, the same author evaluated the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus niruri leaves and found liver damage at greater doses [35]. e group of enzymes that metabolize xenobiotics are called P450 cytochromes (CYPs), in particular, the enzyme CYP3A4.…”

Effect of Dietary Curcumin on Heptorenal Alfla-Toxicosis in Mice

“…This data was in partial harmony with Sun et al, (2014) who declared significant elevation in liver enzymes while albumin and relative hepatic weights were not affected. The levels of ALP, ALT and albumin had been used as valuable indicators for hepatic function (Singh et al, 2013;Wang et al, 2003;Wu et al, 2014). The liver enzymes proposed to be bound by the cell membrane of hepatic cells inside the hepatocytes.…”

Acute toxicity study of Phyllanthus niruri and its effect on the cyto-architectural structure of nephrocytes in Swiss albino mice Mus-musculus

“…16 Body weight and organ weight are important factors to monitor the health of an individual and to analyze the toxic impact of herbal plant extracts. 17 Loss in body weight is frequently the first indicator of the onset of an adverse effect. A dose, which causes 10% or more reduction in the body weight, is considered to be a toxic dose.…”