The in vivo toxicity evaluation of leaf and root methanolic extracts of Tephrosia vogelii Hook.f using animal model

Abstract

Background Traditionally, herbal medicines are commonly used to cure several diseases since immemorial of human life. Nevertheless, the safety of some traditionally used medicinal plants is uncertain. Since Tephrosia vogelii Hook.f is a traditionally used medicinal plant, the effects of its extracts were evaluated on lethality (LD50) and sub-acute toxicity in this study. Methods Phytochemistry screening and an in vivo toxicity evaluation of leaf and root methanolic extracts of T. vogelii using laboratory albino rats were conducted. Methanolic extracts of doses 600, 1200, 2000 and 5000 mg/kg body weights were administered single dose in rats to observe deaths within 72 h in order to determine the LD50. Methanolic extracts doses of 600, 1200 and 2000 mg/kg body weights were consecutively administered for 14 days in order to evaluate sub-acute toxicity. Results Tannins, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids and saponins were identified in the phytochemical screening. The LD50 experiments revealed zero deaths of rats for the administered doses, 600 to 5000 mg/kg body weight. Histopathological examination of liver and kidney for sub-acute toxicity test showed safety at all doses except root methanolic extracts dose of 2000 mg/kg which exhibited necrosis and vacuolation of liver cells on the 14th day. Nonetheless, hepatic necrosis and hepatic vacuolation disappeared upon time elongation without dose administration to 28th day. Conclusion The conducted toxicity evaluation of methanolic leaf and root extracts in albino rats revealed no deleterious effects, henceforth, suggesting that T. vogelii could be safe to users using it as a medicinal plant.

Phytochemical Analysis, In Vitro Anticholinesterase, Antioxidant Activity and In Vivo Nootropic Effect of Ferula ammoniacum (Dorema ammoniacum) D. Don. in Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice

“…Regardless of an extensive preclinical and clinical study to assess the safety and toxicity efficacy of such medicinal plants very few investigational studies are available. However, in recent times, there has been an increasing concern related to their safety and toxicity assessment [ 39 ]. Such toxicity studies will enhance the public reliabilities on the herbal medicinal plants which would increase their traditional and beneficial uses.…”

An Investigation into The Acute and Subacute Toxicity of Extracts of Cassipourea Flanaganii Stem Bark in vivo

“…To determine potential human health hazards caused by the intrinsically harmful effects of the chemical compounds/plant extracts, animal toxicology studies are often carried out. These adverse effects may induce considerable alterations in enzyme and metabolic product levels, as well as normal organ function and histomorphology [31]. The use of medicinal plants for disease treatment is typically motivated by the belief that they are low in toxicity due to their natural origin.…”

“…All groups showed an increase in weight, with the exception of the 1000 mg/kg group which reflected a decline between week 1 and 2 (Figure 2). The organ-body weight ratio measures swelling, atrophy, or hypertrophy [31]. A rise in this measure may indicate inflammation, whereas a reduction may indicate cellular constriction.…”

“…In toxicity studies, hematological parameters tests reveal the extent to which foreign compounds, including plant extracts, have a negative effect on animal blood constituents, and can also explain how chemical compounds/plant extracts affect the blood. Hematological analyses are also relevant for risk assessment since changes in the blood system can be used to predict toxicity in humans when data from animal studies are translated [29][30][31].…”

Phytochemical Profiling, Biological Activities, and In Silico Molecular Docking Studies of Causonis trifolia (L.) Mabb. & J.Wen Shoot

“…Herbal products are often assumed to be safe or low in toxicity due to the fact of their long history of usage by humans [ 15 ]. Nevertheless, the latest studies indicate that many of these medicinal plants used for curing a wide range of diseases are potentially toxic, carcinogenic, or mutagenic when they are administered at high doses for prolonged periods [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. As safety is still a major concern with the use of medicinal plants, screening for possible toxicity and the determination of permissible doses of herbal products are worthwhile endeavours.…”