EVALUATION OF THE ACUTE AND SUBCHRONIC TOXICITY OF Aster tataricus L. F.

Abstract

Background: Aster tataricus L. f. is used as a traditional Chinese drug to relieve cough and asthma symptoms and to eliminate phlegm. However, Aster tataricus L. f. possesses toxicity, and little systematic research has been conducted on its toxic effects in the laboratory. Methods and Materials:The acute group was administered 75% alcohol extract of Aster tataricus L. f. in a single dose. A subchronic toxicity study was performed via daily oral administration of Aster tataricus L. f. at a dose of 0.34 g/kg body weight in SD rats. The rats were divided into six groups: a petroleum ether extract (PEA) group, an ethyl acetate extract (EEA) group, an n-butyl alcohol extract (NEA) group, a remaining lower aqueous phases (REA) group, a 75% alcohol extract (AEA) group and a control group. Quantitative measurements of cytokines were obtained by fluorescence with a laser scanner using a Cy3 equivalent dye. Results:The LD 50 of the 75% alcohol extract of Aster tataricus L. f. was 15.74 g/kg bw. In the subchronic toxicity study, no significant differences were observed among groups in relative organ weights, urine traits, liver antioxidase levels, or cytokine levels.However, significant sporadic differences were observed in body weight gains, haematology indices, biochemistry values, and histopathology features in PEA, EEA group. In addition, sporadic changes in other groups in measures such as WBC, MCHC, CK, ALP, AST, ALT, LDH, T-BIL, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TC were observed. Conclusion:The toxicity study showed that Aster tataricus L. f. can produce toxic effects, mainly on the liver; much less on the heart. The LD 50 was 15.74 g/kg BW in mice, and the subchronic toxicity study, used a dosage of 0.34 g/kg/d.BW, showed that the toxic components of Aster tataricus L. f. were mainly concentrated in the petroleum ether fraction, followed by the ethyl acetate fraction, the n-butyl alcohol fraction, the lower aqueous phase and the 75% ethanol extracts.

Anti-inflammatory Potential of Saponins from Aster tataricus via NF-κB/MAPK Activation

“…Aster tataricus L. f. is a perennial plant with colorful flowers of the Asteraceae family that is commonly found in mountain meadows, hills, and low-lying marshes . This plant is distributed naturally throughout the northern part of mainland China and the eastern parts of Siberia, South Korea, and Japan .…”

Effects of Intermediate Frequency (150 kHz) Electromagnetic Radiation on the Vital Organs of Female Sprague Dawley Rats

“…The function of the liver is assessed by bile secretion, protein synthesis, glucose metabolism, or abnormal protein levels in the blood [32]. Some enzymes and proteins such as ALT, AST, gamma-glutamyl transferase and bilirubin have been identified as sensitive indicators of hepatocellular function [33].…”

Ethanol Extract of Radix Asteris Suppresses Osteoclast Differentiation and Alleviates Osteoporosis

“…In an acute toxicity assessment, a 75% ethanol extract of Radix Asteris, akin to our EERA formulation, exhibited an LD50 of 15.74 g/kg in mice, predominantly causing hepatic toxicity without affecting other organs [54]. A subchronic toxicity evaluation employing a 350 mg/kg/day dose over 91 days in rats revealed hepatic lesions and elevated serum ALT and AST levels in the petroleum ether fraction but not the 75% ethanol extract itself, suggesting the toxic elements are concentrated in the petroleum ether fraction [54]. Our EERA preparation contains unique Radix Asteris components, including cyclic astins and linear asterinins [13,14].…”