BACKGROUND

Wall. leaf is being used as a traditional medicine against hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Unlike its efficacy, the safety profile of this plant upon long-term administration has not been investigated yet. Therefore, this study investigated the sub-chronic toxicity of leaves in rats.

METHODS

Wistar albino rats, 10/sex/group were randomly assigned into four groups. Group I-III respectively received 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg of body weight of 70 % ethanol extract of leaves for 90 consecutive days. Group IV (control) received distilled water. Throughout the experiment, clinical observations were carried out, food intake and weight of the rats also were measured. Finally, different biochemical parameters, organ weight, and histopathology of liver and kidneys were evaluated.

RESULTS

Administration of 70 % ethanol extract of leaves decreased food intake and body weight gain of the test animals. Rats treated with 1000 mg/kg of extract showed significantly increased serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels. Serum urea levels also increased in female rats treated with 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of . Moreover, the blood glucose level of rats treated with 1000 mg/kg body weight was significantly decreased compared to the control group. However, the histology of the liver and kidneys were not significantly altered by any of the doses administered.

CONCLUSION

Administration of in rats at a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight affected the food consumption, weight gain, and serum levels of liver and kidney enzymes suggesting that intake at high doses may be toxic. Therefore, liberal consumption of leaves should be taken curiously and cautiously.