Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies of methanolic leaves extract of Pterospermum acerifolium (L.) Willd in rodents

Abstract

Pterospermum acerifolium (L.) Willd is one of the most popular medicinal plants in Eastern regions of India, commonly known as Muchkunda. Traditionally the leaves of the plant have been used as Hemostatic and for its wound healing properties, but to date there is no documented evidence corroborating its safety. This study thus aimed to determine the toxicity profile of the methanolic extract of Pterospermum acerifolium (L) Willd (MEPA) by determining its effects after acute and sub-chronic oral administration in female and male rats (Wistar albino). In adult rats, single oral administrations of the MEPA (4–20 g/kg body weight) did not show any mortality upto 20g/kg b.w. p.o. However there were signs of toxicity, namely anorexia and hypoactivity above 12 mg/kg b.w. (p.o.), which was the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL). In rats, daily single oral doses of MEPA (100 mg/kg b.w., 1g/kg b.w. and 2 g/kg b.w.) were well tolerated behaviorally after 28 days of dosing and induced no significant changes in body and organs weights. However, haematological and biochemical parameters showed significant increases in ALT, AST, cholesterol and creatinine levels suggesting disturbances of  liver and kidney functions. Histopathological findings also provided conclusive evidence towards hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic potential of the extract at high dose levels. The extract was tolerated well at low dose levels (100 mg/kg b.w. p.o.) after 28 day repeated administration of the extract. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that MEPA is non-toxic and has, at low dose, a low toxicity potential in acute and chronic oral administrations, respectively. However, at high oral doses, repeated administration (28 days) MEPA has significant hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic potential.