Acute and chronic toxicity studies on ethanolic leaf extracts of Clerodendrum viscosum and Leucas indica in Swiss albino mice.

Abstract

Background and objectives: To evaluate the safe dose range of Clerodendrum viscosum (C. viscosum) and Leucas indica (L. indica) ethanolic leaf extracts of acute and chronic oral toxicity study in Swiss Albino mice.

Materials and methods: The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guideline was used for the toxicity studies. C. viscosum and L. indica plant extract were administered orally in a single dose of 2000 mg/kg, and general behavior, adverse effects, and mortality were studied for 72 h. For the chronic toxicity study, both plant extracts were administered orally to a separate set of animals at 300 mg/kg doses for 90 days. Animals body weight was taken out, blood and gastric juice were collected for biochemical parameters, and vital organs were collected for histopathological studies after sacrificing test and control group animals.

Results: Both in acute and chronic toxicity assay, there was no significant alteration in body weight, physical signs, symptoms, hematological, biochemical parameters, and body organ weights compared to the normal group. The liver, kidney, and stomach histology did not show any drug-induced lesion.

Conclusions: The result indicates that the oral administration of C. viscosum and L. indica ethanolic plant extract did not cause any toxicological effects. Hence it could be regarded as a safe natural product for therapeutic use.