Acute and Chronic Toxicity Studies of Aqueous Extract from Helicteres isora (L.) Fruits in Animal Models
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Abstract
Helicteres isora (L.) is a medicinal herb recognized for its beneficial properties and popularity in health care and disease treatment. It has been developed into various commercial products; however, safety data regarding its extracts remain limited. This research aimed to evaluate the safety of an aqueous extract of H. isora. Acute toxicity testing in mice showed no acute toxic effects, with an LD50 value greater than 5,000 mg/kg. Chronic toxicity was assessed in rats through oral administration of the extract at doses of 112.5, 225, 450, 900, and 900-R mg/kg/day for 180 consecutive days. The results indicated that all doses of the extract did not cause abnormalities in general health or food consumption. Regarding hematological parameters, female rats receiving the extract at 225, 450, and 900-R mg/kg/day exhibited a statistically significant increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) compared to the control group. In terms of clinical chemistry, male rats administered the extract at doses ranging from 225 to 900 mg/kg/day showed a statistically significant decrease in serum potassium levels. Furthermore, female rats in the 900-R mg/kg/day dose group exhibited significantly elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels compared to the control group. Histopathological examination revealed some changes in liver, but these were not significantly different from the control group. The study concluded that the H. isora extract does not induce severe chronic toxicity. However, these findings suggest that caution should be advised for its use in individuals with certain pre-existing medical conditions.
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