Evaluation of acute and subchronic toxicity of Stachytarpheta angustifolia (Mill) Vahl (Fam. Verbanaceae) extract in animals

Stachytarpheta angustifolia is an important and a highly valued medicinal plant ethnobotanically used in the treatment of various diseases. The present study was carried out to evaluate acute andsubchronic toxicity in animals and also evaluate the phytochemical profiles of hydroethanolic extract of S. angustifolia (Mill) Vahl plant. S. angustifolia attracted the attention of the researchers because of itsuses as an anti-infective, antidiabetic in folkloric medicine and also as soap by local farmers. The aqueous ethanol (80%) extract of the powdered dried plant was obtained by maceration. Evaluation ofacute and subchronic toxicity and phytochemical profiles of the plant extract was performed using standard procedures. The median acute toxicity value (LD50) of the extract of S. angustifolia was determined to be 8.721g/kg body weight. The extract lowered blood plasma glucose and low density lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol) levels but raised high density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol) level. The protein, creatinine, and phosphorous levels were significantly affected only by the highest dose of the extract while calcium level was not affected by all the doses used. The extract contained triterpenoid saponins as the major bioactive constituent. The LD50 value indicated the drug as being slightly toxic.The extract did not produce any toxic effect in the animals’ tissues at low and moderate doses but could cause kidney damage in higher doses. Lowering of plasma glucose level and the positive effectsof the extract on the cardiovascular risk factors were an indicator that the extract could have some good antidiabetic activity

Assessing plasma glucose and lipid levels, body weight and acute toxicity following oral administration of an aqueous ethanolic extract of Parinari curatellifolia Planch, (Chrysobalanaceae) seeds in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats

The study was aimed at evaluating the safety and hypoglycaemic effects of Parinari curatellifolia seeds used in the treatment of diabetes. The plasma glucose level and other biochemical parameters, bodyweight and liver, heart, renal and acute toxicities were assessed following oral administration of an aqueous ethanol (80%) extract of the seeds in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. Toxicity of the extractwas evaluated in Swiss albino mice by feeding the animals with the graded doses of the extract between 1.0 to 2.0 g/kg body weight orally and observed continuously for the first 4 h and hourly fornext 24 h, then 6 hourly for 48 h (72 h, acute toxicity). Diabetes was induced in male and female Wistar rats with alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg) dissolved in normal saline and administered intraperitoneally (i.p). The plasma glucose levels of the induced animals were monitored with a glucometer after 72 h. The animals with plasma glucose level >300 mg/dl were classified as diabetic and were included in the study. The diabetic animals were treated with the extract and a reference drug,glibenclamide, respectively for 30 days. Their effects on plasma glucose levels and some biochemical parameters were evaluated at the end of the experiment as indices of their antidiabetic activity. Themedian acute toxicity value (LD50) of the extract was determined to be 7.27 g/Kg body weight. There was significant reduction (

Essay, Multiple-Choice (MCQ) and combined (Essay with MCQ) type examinations: The pharmacy students' perspective

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Evaluation of acute toxicity in mice and subchronic toxicity of hydroethanolic extract of Parinari curatellifolia Planch (Chrysobalanaceae) seeds in rats

Parinari curatellifolia seeds are ethnobotanically used in the treatment of diabetes and other diseases. The seed drug preparations are administered over a long period of time in the treatment of certaindisease conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of the seed extract through acute toxicity study. Also subchronic toxicity in the animals was carried out by assessing the effects onbiochemical parameters, body weight and liver, heart and renal organs following oral administration of aqueous ethanolic extract of the seeds. Toxicity of the extract was evaluated in Swiss albino mice byfeeding the animals with graded doses of the extract between 1.0 to 20.0 g/kg body weight orally and observed continuously for the first 4 h and every hourly for the next 24 h, then 6 hourly for 48 h (72 h,acute toxicity). Wistar rats were also fed with different extract doses for at least 30 days and the effects on biochemical parameters evaluated (subchronic toxicity model). The median acute toxicity value(LD50) of P. curatellifolia seeds extract was found to be 7.27 g/kg body weight. The extract reduced plasma glucose and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels, but increased high density lipoprotein (HDL)–cholesterol in the treated groups compared to the control. A significant increase in the body weight was observed in all the groups treated with the extract. Aspartate aminotransferases (AST), creatinine and phosphorus levels were significantly increased only in the group treated with highest dose of the extract while significant decrease in alanine aminotransferases (ALT) level was observed in all groups. The LD50 value indicated the drug to be quite safe in one dose treatment. The study also showed that the extract had good hypoglycemic effects and good reducing effects on the cardiovascular risk factors but indicated that high dose of the extract on a long term use can causeliver and kidney problems