The Hepatotoxic Effects of Stachys Lavandulifolia Vahl on Wistar Rat

Background and purpose: Stachys lavandulifolia is a plant commonly used for many diseases. But so far there is no report indicating its toxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the probable hepatoxicity of S. lavandulifolia extract on Wistar rats. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 100 Wistar rats (about 250gr, 8-12 weeks old) were randomly divided into 10 groups (8 groups as case and 2 groups as control). They were intraperitoneally injected with S. lavandulifolia extract with doses of 50, 100, 150 and 200mg/kg per day for 28 days. Afterwards, the serum parameters level (ALP, AST, ALT) and pathological samples were evaluated and compared in four case group and one control group after 28 days and other groups after one month. Results: On the first month there was significant increase on AST level only in 200mg/kg dose while ALP level significantly increased in all doses (P<0.05). There was no significant difference among all doses regarding their effects on the increase of liver enzymes (P>0.05). On the second month, the changes in liver enzymes were almost the same as first month, except 150mg/kg dose that significantly increased the AST level compared to control group and also this dose significantly increased the ALP level compared to 100mg/kg dose (P<0.05). In examining liver samples obtained from rats in the first and second months, necrotic inflammatory reactions and fibrotic lesions significantly increased compared to control group (P<0.001). In the first month we also found that there was significant difference between higher doses (150 and 200mg/kg) and lower doses (50 and 100mg/kg) regarding their effects on hepatic lesion (P<0.05). Conclusion: Since the extract of S. lavandulifolia causes toxicity it should be consumed with caution in people with underlying cholestatic diseases