Evaluation of acute, subacute, subchronic, reproductive, and genotoxicity of a standardized extract from the bark of Oroxylum indicum.

Abstract

Oroxylum indicum extract (OIE), prepared from its dried bark, known for neuroprotective and cognitive health support, is evaluated. Oroxylum indicum, the Indian Trumpet Tree, is traditionally known for its numerous medicinal benefits. Almost every part of the plant has been traditionally applied to treat many conditions such as stomachache, rheumatism, jaundice, cough, pharyngitis, acute and chronic bronchitis. Various researchers have demonstrated biological activities including antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, analgesic, anti-cancer, anthelmintic, hepatoprotective, antiulcer, anti-diarrheal, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-epileptic, wound healing, properties. Since very little scientific evidence was available on safety assessment of OIE, a detailed toxicological evaluation of OIE was executed to ensure its safety for human administration and to harness its potential therapeutic applications. The present study evaluated the acute, subacute, subchronic, and reproductive toxicity of OIE in rodents. Also, the mutagenic potential was evaluated with the bacterial reverse mutation assay and the mammalian bone marrow micronucleus test.

No treatment-related study findings were observed, and a No Observed Adverse Effect Level of 400 mg/kg body weight was established in subacute, subchronic, reproductive/developmental toxicity studies. In addition, the findings of genotoxicity as evaluated by in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay, and in vivo mammalian bone marrow micronucleus test in mice showed that OIE did not induce any mutagenic effects. Henceforth, this toxicological evaluation confirms that oral administration of OIE was found to be safe in rodents, non-mutagenic, without any adverse effects. This study positively impacts in encouraging the use of OIE in various therapeutic applications ensuring its safety.