Sub-Acute Toxicity Study of Hydro-Alcoholic Extracts of Sansevieria cylindrica and Plumeria obtusa in Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Sansevieria cylindrica Bojer ex. Hook (Asparagaceae) and Plumeria obtusa L. (Apocynaceae) are useful traditional medicines. The present study assessed the toxicity of a combination of hydro-alcoholic extract of aerial parts of both these plants through repeat administration in Wistar albino rats. This study is an extension of an acute toxicity study, wherein female rats were orally administered with a single dose of 2000mg/kg of both plant extracts. Sub-acute toxicity of both plants (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o.) was studied by daily dosing of Wistar rats of both sexes for 28 days. Toxicity, mortality, body weight changes, food and water intake, and neurological assessments were recorded. Hematological, biochemical, and urine analysis was done before and after dosing on day 29. Absolute and relative organ weight and histological evaluation were performed on day 29. The acute toxicity study revealed no lethal effects indicating that LD50 is greater than 2000mg/ kg. The sub-acute study observed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in body weight, feed, and water intake. The body weight gain in rats from the treatment group was non-significant (p > 0.05) compared to the control group. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in lymphocytes, granulocytes, RBC, platelet, creatinine, albumin, triglycerides, and alkaline phosphatase were also observed. The evaluation of different neurobehavior parameters showed a significant increase (p < 0.05). Histopathological analysis showed mild liver distortion in male rats in both treatment groups. Most of the significant observations were considered incidental findings indicative of low toxicity of plant extract during long-term use.