Acute toxicity studies of aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus niruri
Open Access
- 1 December 2011
- journal article
- Published by Walter de Gruyter GmbH in Interdisciplinary Toxicology
- Vol. 4 (4), 206-210
- https://doi.org/10.2478/v10102-011-0031-9
Abstract
Phyllanthus niruriis a plant with medicinal properties. It is often used to treat mild malaria and the elimination of renal stones. However, studies on its toxicity are scarce. The study was carried out to determine if the aqueous leaf extract ofP. niruriadministered to female Sprague-Dawley rats would illicit evidence of toxicity. Fifteen female rats weighing 150-200 g were divided into 3 groups. Rats in Group 1 were given a single low dose (LD) of 2 000 mg/kg b.w. of the extract by oral gavage within 24 hrs. Rats in Group 2 were given a single high dose (HD) of 5 000 mg/kg b.w. of the extract by oral gavage within 24 hrs. Rats in Group 3 were not given any extract but drinking water and served as the control group (C). All the rats were observed for signs of toxidromes for 14 days. On the 15thday, all the rats were sacrificed. Body organs were harvested for macroscopic examination. Urine and blood samples were drawn and analyzed. Hematological tests performed included full blood count and hemoglobin. Biochemical examinations included bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, albumin, globulin, alkaline phosphatse (ALP), γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), urea, and creatinine. The results of the three groups were not significantly different. Examination of the various body organs did not show any abnormality. Thus no toxicity was observed at the levels administered. The LD50of the aqueous extract is > 5 000 mg/kg. b.w.Keywords
This publication has 26 references indexed in Scilit:
- Hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic activities of the aqueous leaf and seed extract of Phyllanthus amarus in miceFitoterapia, 2006
- α-Amylase inhibitory activity of some Malaysian plants used to treat diabetes; with particular reference to Phyllanthus amarusJournal of Ethnopharmacology, 2006
- Effect of extract of Phyllanthus niruri on crystal deposition in experimental urolithiasisUrological Research, 2006
- Hepatoprotective Effect ofPhyllanthusin Taiwan on Acute Liver Damage Induced by Carbon TetrachlorideThe American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2006
- In vitro antiplasmodial activity of callus culture extracts and fractions from fresh apical stems of Phyllanthus niruri L. (Euphorbiaceae): part 2Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2004
- Health risks of herbal remedies: an updateClinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2004
- Antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic effects of Phyllanthus amarusPhytomedicine, 2002
- Anti-mutagenic activity ofPhyllanthus amarus Schum & Thonn in vitro as well as in vivoTeratogenesis, Carcinogenesis, and Mutagenesis, 2002
- Chemical and Preliminary Analgesic Evaluation of Geraniin and Furosin Isolated fromPhyllanthus sellowianusPlanta Medica, 1996
- Analgesic Effects of Callus Culture Extracts from Selected Species of Phyllanthus in MiceJournal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 1994