Estimation of acute oral toxicity in rats by determination of the approximate lethal dose rather than the LD50

Chemical Investigation and Antinociceptive Activity Evaluation of Marrubium Vulgare L. Aqueous Extract

Marrubium vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of respiratory tract infections, inflammatory conditions, and pain. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, acute toxicity, and antinociceptive effects of the aqueous extract from M. vulgare leaves (AEMV). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and reducing power assays. The chemical composition of AEMV was determined through LC-MS/MS, and the levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, and condensed tannins were quantified. Acute oral toxicity was assessed in male Swiss mice with a single oral dose of AEMV (1, 2, 5 g/kg). The analgesic impact was examined through writhing, hot plate, and formalin tests. Our findings not only confirmed the safety of the extract in animal models but also revealed significant antioxidant activity in AEMV. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified important bioactive compounds, with marrubiin being a major component. Furthermore, AEMV demonstrated robust antinociceptive properties in all conducted tests, highlighting its potential as a valuable natural source of bioactive compounds suitable for a wide range of therapeutic applications.

Acute and subchronic oral toxicity study of Camelina sativa oil in Wistar rats

Objective

The aim of these studies was to ascertain if Camelina sativa oil is harmful in both the acute and subchronic states.

Methods

Wistar rats of both sexes were used in an acute toxicity test, and the fatal dosage (LD50) of oral Camelina sativa oil was greater than 27.6 g/kg bw. Rats were gavaged with Camelina sativa oil at dosages of 0.00, 0.92, 1.84, and 3.68 g/kg bw per day for 90 days. In addition, satellite groups were established in the control and high-dose groups for a 28-day recovery period. The following factors were assessed: mortality, clinical anomalies, body weight, food intake, hematological, serum biochemistry, urine, gross necropsy, and histology.

Results

There were no observable toxicity-related changes in any of the three dosage groups. There is no toxicological relevance to the change in the high-dose hematological indicator PLT at the conclusion of the recovery period because it was within the usual range for this strain in our laboratory. The test material did not result in any pathological alterations, according to a pathological examination.

Conclusion

Since the results of the current study, the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for Camelina sativa oil in rats has been determined to be greater than 3.68 g/kg bw.

Anticancer Activity of Rhizophora mucronata Leaves Extract on Sprague-Dawley Rats: In Vivo Model

Medicinal plants are now used to treat cancer due to the presence of bioactive compounds. Apart from the plants, mangroves also possess rich bioactive compounds with high medicinal activity. Based on the ethnobotanical attributes of Rhizophora mucronata, we are keen to work with its anticancer activity. The aim of the study is to assess the anticancer activity of methanolic extract of Rhizophora mucronata leaves against breast cancer. Its safety profile for anticancer investigations was therefore confirmed through an acute toxicity assessment. In accordance with OECD guiding principles, the study was approved to evaluate the toxicity, including acute and subacute effects and anticancer activities of methanolic extract of Rhizophora mucronata leaves on Sprague-Dawley rats. In acute toxicity trials, the dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight was determined to be safe and nontoxic even at high dose levels and did not result in any indicators of toxicity or death in the tested groups compared to controls for 14 days. In contrast, rats in a subacute toxicity study were given consistent doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg for a total of 28 days along with a control group. Haematological, biochemical, and histological tests conducted in advance revealed that methanolic extract of Rhizophora mucronata leaves (MERML) at repeated doses of 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg was normal and had no significant effects on the treated groups. Rhizophora mucronata extract (250 mg/kg) was successfully used in in vivo trials to stop the growth of breast cancer cells in groups that had been given DMBA. Based on these findings, it has been concluded that methanolic extract of Rhizophora mucronata leaves (MERML) was safe at both higher and lower dosages and could be assessed for pharmacological study.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Camphor-Based Hydrazide and Sulfonamide Derivatives as Laccase Inhibitors against Plant Pathogenic Fungi/Oomycetes

To discover novel natural product-based fungicidal agrochemicals, 41 novel camphanic acid hydrazide and camphor sulfonamide derivatives were designed, synthesized, and tested for their antifungal profile against four plant pathogenic fungi and three oomycetes. As a result, some derivatives presented pronounced inhibitory activities toward Botryosphaeria dothidea, Fusarium graminearum, Phytophthora capsici, and Phytophthora nicotianae. Especially, compound 4b demonstrated the most potent anti-B. dothidea activity (EC50 = 1.28 mg/L), much stronger than positive control chlorthalonil. The in vivo assay showed that 4b displayed significant protective and curative effects on apple fruits infected by B. dothidea. The primary antifungal mechanism study revealed that 4b could obviously enhance the cell membrane permeability, destroy the mycelial surface morphology and the cell ultrastructure, and reduce the ergosterol and exopolysaccharide contents of B. dothidea. Further, 4b showed potent laccase inhibitory activity in vitro with an IC50 value of 11.3 μM, superior to positive control cysteine. The molecular docking study revealed that 4b could dock well into the active site of laccase by forming multiple interactions with the key residues in the pocket. The acute oral toxicity test in rats presented that 4b had slight toxicity with an LD50 value of 849.1 mg/kg bw (95% confidence limit: 403.9-1785.3 mg/kg bw). This research identified that the camphanic acid hydrazide derivatives could be promising leads for the development of novel laccase-targeting fungicides.

Pharmacological screening of silibinin for antischizophrenic activity along with its acute toxicity evaluation in experimental animals

Silibinin (SIL), a flavolignan extracted from the medicinal plant "silybum marianum (milk thistle)", has traditionally been used to treat liver disease. This phytochemical has displayed neuroprotective properties, its activity against schizophrenia is not elucidated. The present study was designed to evaluate the antipsychotic potential of silibinin and probe its toxic potential. The acute oral toxicity study was assessed as per OECD 425 guidelines. Animals were divided into two groups of female rats (n = 6): one group served as the normal control and the other group received a 2,000 mg/kg dose of SIL. We also evaluated the antipsychotic potential of SIL. To this end, animals were divided into six groups (n = 10) of mice for both the preventive and curative protocols. Group I (CMC 1 mL/kg) served as the normal control and received CMC 1 mL/kg; group II was the diseased group treated with ketamine (10 mg/kg) i.p; group III was the standard group treated with clozapine 1 mg/kg; groups IV, V, and VI served as the treatment groups, receiving SIL 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively, orally for both protocols. Improvement in positive symptoms of the disease was evaluated by stereotypy and hyperlocomotion, while negative symptoms (behavioral despair) were determined by a forced swim test and a tail suspension test in the mice models. The results suggested that the LD₅₀ of SIL was greater than 2,000 mg/kg. Moreover, SIL prevented and reversed ketamine-induced increase in stereotypy (p < 0.001) and behavioral despair in the forced swim and tail suspension tests (p < 0.001). Taken together, the findings suggest that silibinin is a safe drug with low toxicity which demonstrates significant antipsychotic activity against the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Evaluation of the acute toxicity and 28-days subacute toxicity of the alcoholic extract from Ganoderma leucocontextum

Ganoderma leucocontextum is a well-known traditional medicine in Tibet Autonomous Region, which has benefits, such as anti-hypoxia, neurotrophic action on nerves, easing coughs and relieving asthma, strengthening the body and prolonging life. However, few research have focused on its negative effects, possibly jeopardizing its safety. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity of an alcoholic extract from G. leucocontextum (GLA) in vivo. The phytochemical characterization analysis showed that alcoholic extract from G. leucocontextum were rich in polysaccharides, triterpenoids. Then, in acute oral toxicity, male and female mice from Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) were orally administered with 16 g/kg GLA and were observed for 14 days. In the subacute toxicity, male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were orally administered with 2, 4, and 8 g/kg doses of GLA for 28 days. There was no death or clinical changes in male and female mice in the acute toxicity test. During the subacute toxicity test, the difference in body weights, food consumption, biochemical and hematological parameters, and organ coefficients between treated and control groups were unrelated to GLA treatment. The obtained data show that the GLA had no significant toxic effects when administered orally to male and female rats in acute and subacute toxicity.

Acute toxicity and safety profile evolution of aqueous extracts of Sanren decoction using in vivo models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sanren decoction (SRD) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine prescription containing eight kinds of materials. SRD has been used mainly in China for more than 200 years for the treatment of respiratory disorders that co-occur with a bad fever after midday.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the acute and 28-day subacute toxicity of an aqueous extract of SRD using in vivo methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To determine acute toxicity, SRD was administered by gavage at a dosage of 58.5 g/kg/day to male and female mice for 7 days. To determine subacute toxicity, SRD was administered at 3.3, 6.5, or 13 g/kg/day to male and female rats for 28 days. The general behavior, body weight, biochemical and hematological parameters, organ coefficients and pathological morphology of the treated animals were analyzed.

RESULTS

Neither acute nor subacute concentrations of SRD caused significant changes in the body weights, general behavior, hematology and biochemical parameters, organ weights, or histopathological appearances of the liver, kidney, spleen, brain, lung or heart in mice or rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of SRD can be considered safe within the conditions of this study.

The essential oil of Schinus terebinthifolius and its nanoemulsion and isolated monoterpenes: investigation of their activity against Culex pipiens with insights into the adverse effects on non-target organisms

BACKGROUND

The house mosquito, Culex pipiens L. is a harmful species, widespread in urban areas, and considered the primary enzootic vector of West Nile arbovirus. Widespread insecticide resistance in mosquito populations and the environmental risks and toxicity hazards of chemical pesticides make insecticides an inadequate mosquito control strategy. Seeking ecofriendly tools for mosquito control tools has become necessary.

RESULTS

Essential oil (EO) was hydrodistilled from the fruits of Brazilian pepper, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi and analyzed using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. An oil-in-water nanoemulsion (particle size 41.3 nm) was developed and characterized from EO using a green low-energy approach. EO, its nanoemulsion and monoterpenes showed mosquitocidal, repellent and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities against Cx. pipiens. A nanoemulsion concentration of 30 μl L^-1 caused 100% larval mortality after 24 h of exposure, whereas EO, d-limonene and α-phellandrene at 60 μl L^-1 caused 100%, 92.4% and 88.2% larval mortality, respectively. The concentration that killed 50% of organisms (LC₅₀ ) for larvae after 24 h ranged between 6.8 and 40.6 μl L^-1 . Upon fumigation, 15.0 μl L^-1 of nanoemulsion killed 94.5% of adults after 24 h of exposure. LC₅₀ values against adults ranged between 5.3 and 31.2 μl L^-1 . EO products exhibited repellence activity at concentrations between 0.5 and 4.0 μl cm^-2 . Test materials effectively inhibited the acetylcholinesterase activity of mosquito and were safe toward the non-target organisms Gambusia affinis and Eisenia fetida.

CONCLUSION

There is a potential for using S. terebinthifolius EO, its nanoemulsion and monoterpenes as ecofriendly natural mosquitocides.

Novel Citral-thiazolyl Hydrazine Derivatives as Promising Antifungal Agents against Phytopathogenic Fungi

To develop new antifungal agents against phytopathogenic fungi, a series of citral-thiazolyl hydrazine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and characterized by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and HRMS. Antifungal activity results showed that most synthetic compounds exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activities against six phytopathogenic fungi in vitro. Notably, compounds b and c15 exhibited remarkable antifungal activity against Colletotrichum gloeosprioides, Rhizoctonia solani, Phytophthora nicotianae var. nicotianae, Diplodia pinea, Colletotrichum acutatum, and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum, which were all superior to the positive control tricyclazole. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies demonstrated that introducing electron-withdrawing groups such as F on the benzene ring exhibited outstanding antifungal activities against all the tested fungi. Furthermore, compound b could effectively control rice sheath blight and showed higher curative activities against R. solani than validamycin·bacillus in vivo. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity results indicated that compound b possessed moderate cytotoxicity activity, and all citral-thiazolyl hydrazine derivatives exhibited lower or no cytotoxicity to the LO2 and HEK293 cell lines. In addition, the acute oral toxicity test showed that compound b had moderate toxicity (level II) with an LD₅₀ value of 310 mg/kg bw (95% confidence limit: 175-550 mg/kg bw). Finally, a preliminary action mechanism study showed that causing obvious malformation of mycelium and increasing cell membrane permeability are two of the potential mechanisms by which compound b exerts antifungal activity. The present work indicates that some of these derivatives may serve as novel potential fungicides, and compound b is expected to be the leading structure for the development of new antifungal agents.

Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Nutraceutical Profile of Carissa Species: An Updated Review

Carissa, a genus of the Apocynaceae family, consists of evergreen species, such as shrubs as well as small trees that are native to Asia, Africa, and Oceania’s subtropical and tropical regions. Most of the Carissa species are traditionally used to treat various diseases, such as chest pain, headaches, gonorrhoea, rheumatism, syphilis, oedema, rabies, stomach pain, hepatitis, cardiac diseases, and asthma. The pharmacological studies on Carissa species revealed its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, cardioprotective, antipyretic, analgesic, wound healing, anticonvulsant, antiarthritic, adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities, thus validating its use in indigenous medicine systems. The review article summarised the comprehensive literature available, including morphology, indigenous uses, bioactive composition, nutraceutical, and pharmacological activities of Carissa species. A total of 155 research papers were cited in this review article. The Carissa fruits are rich in dietary fibre, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamin C, and macro- and micro-elements. A total of 121 compounds (35 polyphenols (flavonoids and phenolic acids), 30 lignans, 41 terpenoids, 7 steroids, 2 coumarins, and 6 cardiac glycosides) have been extracted from C. spinarum, C. carandas, and C. macrocarpa. Among all chemical constituents, lupeol, carissol, naringin, carisssone, scopoletin, carissaeduloside A, D, J, carandinol, sarhamnoloside, carissanol, olivil, carinol, 3β-hydroxyolean-11-en-28,13β-oilde, ursolic acid, and carissone are the key bioactive constituents responsible for pharmacological activities of genus Carissa. The gathered ethnopharmacological information in the review will help to understand the therapeutic relevance of Carissa as well as paving a way for further exploration in the discovery of novel plant-based drugs.

Toxicological assessment of Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw. cladode methanol extract, fractions and its alpha pyrones: Opuntiol and opuntioside

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The edible plant Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw. commonly known as Nagphana, belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is traditionally used to treat various ailments including inflammation, gastric ulcers, diabetes, hepatitis, asthma, whooping cough and intestinal spasm.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Despite its traditional use in various countries, detailed toxicological studies of O. dillenii cladode are few. Thus in the current study, toxicity of O. dillenii cladode derived methanol extract, fractions and its α-pyrones: opuntiol and opuntioside have been addressed.

METHODS

The test agents were assessed using both in vitro and in vivo toxicity assays. MTT on human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK-293), tryphan blue exclusion in rat neutrophils, Cytokinesis-B block micronucleus (CBMN) in human lymphocytes and genomic DNA fragmentation using agarose gel electrophoresis were performed. In acute toxicity test, mice orally received extract (5 g/kg) for 7 days followed by measurements of relative organ weight, biochemical (blood profile, liver and kidney function test) and histological studies (liver and kidney) were carried out. Rat bone marrow micronucleus genotoxicity assay was also conducted.

RESULTS

O. dillenii derived test agents were non-cytotoxic and had no effect on the integrity of DNA. Methanol extract (5 g/kg) orally administered in mice did not cause any significant change in relative organ weights, biochemical parameters and liver and kidney histology as compared to vehicle control. In parallel, extract did not stimulate micronuclei formation in rat bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes.

CONCLUSION

These results led to conclude that edible O. dillenii extract is non-toxic via the oral route and appears to be non-cyto-, hepato-, nephro- or genotoxic, thereby supporting its safe traditional use against various ailments. Therefore, opuntiol and opuntioside may serve as lead compounds in designing new drug(s) derived from edible plants.

Sida acuta Burm.f. leaves ethanol extract ameliorates haematological and biochemical alterations induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA-65 in mice

Background

Malaria has continued to be a threat to man and his wellbeing, especially Africans and Asians. New antimalarial drugs are urgently needed to mitigate malaria treatment failure due to resistant Plasmodium species. Medicinal plants used by indigenous Nigerians for treating fever and malaria such as Sida acuta Burm.f. (Malvaceae) could be a promising source of lead compounds for developing new generations of antimalarial drugs. The effects of ethanol extract of S. acuta leaves (EESAL) on malaria parasitemia, haematological and biochemical status of P. berghei-infected mice were investigated, using the 4-day curative test.

Methodology

EESAL was prepared by maceration method. The phyto-constituents and acute toxicity profile of the extract were evaluated using standard protocols. In addition, malaria parasitemia and chemo-suppression, and indicators of haematological and biochemical status of P. berghei-infected mice treated with EESAL were assessed.

Results

At 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg/d b.w., p.o doses for 4 consecutive days, EESAL significantly (p < 0.05) decreased parasitaemia and suppressed malaria parasite by 89.64%, 95.95% and 97.38%, respectively comparable to negative control. The reduction in percentage malaria parasitemia by EESAL is comparable to Artemether (140 mg/kg/d b.w., p.o) used as standard antimalarial drug in this study. The packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts of negative control are significantly (p < 0.05) higher than normal control. However, parasitized-EESAL-treated mice have significantly (p < 0.05) higher PCV value, Hb concentration and RBC and WBC counts than negative control. Similarly, treatment of parasitized mice with EESAL restored some indicators of the antioxidant, lipid peroxidation, lipid profile and liver status altered by malaria. In addition, EESAL was tolerable up to 5000 mg/kg b.w., p.o.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the EESAL possesses antimalarial activity and normalizes alterations in haematological and biochemical status of malaria-infected mice.

(-)-Carveol Prevents Gastric Ulcers via Cytoprotective, Antioxidant, Antisecretory and Immunoregulatory Mechanisms in Animal Models

Background: (-)-Carveol (p-Mentha-6,8-dien-2-ol) is a monocyclic monoterpenic alcohol, present in essential oils of plant species such as Cymbopogon giganteus, Illicium pachyphyllum and in spices such as Carum carvi (cumin). Pharmacological studies report its antitumor, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, vasorelaxant, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Hypothesis/Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute non-clinical oral toxicity, gastroprotective activity of monoterpene (-)-Carveol in animal models and the related mechanisms of action.

Methods: Acute toxicity was assessed according to OECD guide 423 in mice. Ethanol, stress, NSAIDs and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer models were used to investigate antiulcer properties. The related mechanisms of action were using the ethanol-gastric lesions protocol.

Results: (-)-Carveol has low toxicity, with a lethal dose 50% (LD₅₀) equal to or greater than 2,500 mg/kg according to OECD guide nº 423. In all gastric ulcer induction methods evaluated, (-)-Carveol (25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the ulcerative lesion in comparison with the respective control groups. To investigate the mechanisms involved in the gastroprotective activity, the antisecretory or neutralizing of gastric secretion, cytoprotective, antioxidant and immunoregulatory effects were evaluated. In the experimental protocol of pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer, (-)-Carveol (100 mg/kg) reduced (p < 0.001) the volume of gastric secretion in both routes (oral and intraduodenal). The previous administration of blockers NEM (sulfhydryl groups blocker), L-NAME (nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor), glibenclamide (K_ATP channel blocker) and indomethacin (cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor), significantly reduced the gastroprotection exercised by (-)-Carveol, suggesting the participation of these pathways in its gastroprotective activity. In addition, treatment with (-)-Carveol (100 mg/kg) increased (p < 0.001) mucus adhered to the gastric wall. Treatment also increased (p < 0.001) levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). It also reduced (p < 0.001) malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels.

Conclusion: Thus, it is possible to infer that (-)-Carveol presents gastroprotective activity related to antisecretory, cytoprotective, antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms.

Pharmacokinetic variables of medium molecular weight cross linked chitosan nanoparticles to enhance the bioavailability of 5-fluorouracil and reduce the acute oral toxicity

To prepare glutaraldehyde-based cross-linked medium molecular weight chitosan nanoparticles encapsulated with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), to overcome dosing frequency as well as reducing acute oral toxicity and poor bioavailability of the drug. Medium molecular weight chitosan nanoparticles (MMWCH-NPs) were prepared by reverse micelles method based on glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linking and optimized by the process as well as formulation variables like a various drug to polymer ratio, cross-linker volumes, varying stirring speeds (rpm), different time of rotation/stirring, respectively and their effects on the mean particles size distribution and entrapment efficiency %EE and %LC of NPs. Characterization of formulations was done by FTIR studies, TEM, PXRD, TGA, Stability, and dissolution drug release studies were performed by dialysis bag technique at both pH (1.2 & 7.4) and acute oral toxicity studies in albino rabbits. The formulated nanoparticles showed a smooth morphology with smaller particle size distribution (230–550 nm), zeta potential (−15 to −18 mV) required to achieve enhanced permeation and retention effect (EPR), entrapment efficiency (%EE 12–59%). These NPs exhibited a controlled drug release profile with 84.36% of the drug over a period of 24 h. Drug release data were fitted to different kinetic models which predominantly followed Fickian diffusion mechanism (R² = 0.972–0.976, N = 0.326–0.256). The optimized formulation (5-FU6) was observed under DSC/TGA, TEM. PXRD curves, FTIR, which confirmed thermal stability, structural integrity, amorphous state, compatibility between drug and polymer of optimized (5-FU6) as well as reduced acute oral toxicity in albino rabbits. Cross-linked medium molecular weight chitosan nanoparticles are nontoxic, well-tolerated therefore could be the future candidate for therapeutic effects as novel drug delivery carrier for anticancer drug(s).

Toxicity assessment of the methanol extract of Jatropha tanjorensis (Euphorbiaceae) leaves

Background

The leaves of Jatropha tanjorensis have been found to have important application both in traditional medicine and as an edible vegetable in Nigerian soups. It is popularly employed in Nigeria for the treatment of anemia, diabetes, and malaria. The dearth of information on its toxicity prompted this study. Mice were administered single oral doses of 10, 100, 1000, 1600, 2900, and 5000 mg/kg b.wt (n = 3/group) of the extract and were observed for 24 h for any sign of toxicity and mortality in the acute toxicity study. For the sub-acute toxicity study, doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.wt of the extract were administered to experimental rats (n = 6/group) for 28 days after which the assessment of hematological and biochemical parameters, as well as liver and kidney histology was conducted post-treatment. Body weight of the animals was also taken weekly.

Results

The result showed that percentage weight gain decreased as the dose of extract increased. The haematological and biochemical parameters showed that the extract had no toxic effect on experimental animals, though there was a non-significant dose-dependent decrease in WBC. The extract also showed potential to cause hepatotoxicity at the highest dose.

Conclusion

Though the median lethal dose of the plant extract suggests relative safety of the plant material, consuming large amounts over a prolonged time may need to be discouraged to avoid potential damage to vital organs such as the liver.

Novel amorphous solid dispersion based on natural deep eutectic solvent for enhancing delivery of anti-tumor RA-XII by oral administration in rats

At present, oral chemotherapy showing the advantages of non-invasiveness, convenience, and high patient compliance, is gradually replacing traditional intravenous chemotherapy to treat patients with cancer. RA-XII, a unique natural cyclopeptide, exhibits various biological activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-angiogenic, and anti-metastatic activities. Designing an orally available formulation of RA-XII is of great importance in the development of clinically useful anticancer agents. However, RA-XII shows low oral bioavailability in rats due to its poor solubility and low permeability. To overcome these limitations, in this work, a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) was designed to efficiently deliver RA-XII by oral administration. A novel NADES composed of betaine and mandelic acid in the molar ratio of 1:1 (Bet-Man NADES) was successfully prepared based on a binary phase diagram of Bet and Man. Acute toxicity studies indicated that Bet-Man NADES was well tolerated with acceptable toxicity. In Bet-Man NADES solutions, the solubility of RA-XII was increased by up to 17.54-fold, and the diffusion and permeability of RA-XII carried out in a Franz cell was also significantly improved 10.35 times. In terms of biopharmaceutical classification this is translated into a change for RA-XII from class IV to class II systems. More importantly, Bet-Man NADES was transferred into the solid formulation by the inclusion of a polymer, and amorphous solid dispersions based on Bet-Man NADES (PVP K30/NADES/RA-XII, ASDs) were successfully prepared to improve uniformity, apparent solubility, dissolution, and cytotoxicity in vitro. Consequently, the oral bioavailability of RA-XII in NADES solutions and ASDs was enhanced by approximately 11.58 and 7.56 times compared with that of pure RA-XII in 0.5% CMCNa. Thus, it can be seen that a natural deep eutectic solvent and its modified amorphous solid dispersions are appropriate novel strategies for improving dissolution rate and bioavailability of poor soluble natural products such as RA-XII.

QSAR analysis of 3-pyrimidin-4-yl-oxazolidin-2-one derivatives isocitrate dehydrogenase inhibitors using Topomer CoMFA and HQSAR methods

A series of mIDH1 inhibitors derived from 3-pyrimidine-4-oxazolidin-2-ketone derivatives were studied by QSAR model to explore the key factors that inhibit mIDH1 activity. The generated model was cross-verified and non-cross-verified by Topomer CoMFA and HQSAR methods; the independent test set was verified by PLS method; the Topomer search technology was used for virtual screening and molecular design; and the Surflex-Dock method and ADMET technology were used for molecular docking, pharmacology and toxicity prediction of the designed drug molecules. The Topomer CoMFA and HQSAR cross-validation coefficients q² are 0.783 and 0.784, respectively, and the non-cross-validation coefficients r² are 0.978 and 0.934, respectively. Ten new drug molecules have been designed using Topomer search technology. The results of molecular docking and ADMET show that the newly designed drug molecules are effective. The docking situation, pharmacology and toxicity prediction results are good. The model can be used to predict the bioactivity of the same type of new compounds and their derivatives. The prediction results of molecular design, molecular docking and ADMET can provide some ideas for the design and development of novel mIDH1 inhibitor anticancer drugs, and provide certain theoretical basis of the experimental verification of new compounds in the future. Newly designed molecules after docking with corresponding proteins in the PDB library, it can explore the targets of drug molecules acting with large proteins and the related force, which is very helpful for the design of new drugs and the mechanism of drug action.

The Genus Eriosema (Fabaceae): From the Ethnopharmacology to an Evidence-Based Phytotherapeutic Perspective?

The genus Eriosema (Fabaceae) includes approximately 150 species widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the world (Africa, Neotropics, Asia and Australia). Throughout these regions, several species are used since centuries in different traditional medicinal systems, while others are used as food or food supplement. The present review attempts to critically summarize current information concerning the uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the Eriosema genus and to evaluate the therapeutic potential. The information published in English and French (up to September 2020) on ethnopharmacology or traditional uses, chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Eriosema genus was collected from electronic databases [SciFinder, PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, Prelude Medicinal Plants—http://www.ethnopharmacologia.org/recherche-dans-prelude/?plant, The Plant List (http://www.theplantlist.org/), POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/) and IUCN Red List Categories (https://www.iucnredlist.org/)], conference proceedings, books, M.Sc. and Ph.D. dissertations. The information retrieved on the ethnomedicinal indications of Eriosema genus allowed to list 25 species (∼16.6% of the genus). The majority of uses is recorded from Africa. Phytochemical analyses of 8 species led to the identification and/or isolation of 107 compounds, with flavonoids (69.2%), chromones (7.5%) and benzoic acid derivatives (3.7%) as the main chemical classes. Pharmacological investigations with crude extracts and isolated compounds showed a broad range of activities including aphrodisiac, estrogenic, anti-osteoporosis, hypolipidemic, anti-diabetic, anti-diarrheal, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anthelmintic, anti-cancer, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Despite the low number of Eriosema species tested, there is convincing evidence in vitro and in vivo studies validating some traditional and ethnobotanical uses. However, the utility of several of the described uses has not yet been confirmed in pharmacological studies. Reviewed data could serve as a reference tool and preliminary information for advanced research on Eriosema species.

A comparative study of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. root extracts on sexual behaviour in male Wistar rats

Caesalpinia bonduc is among the traditionally used plant in Benin, for its enhancement of male sexual activity. This study was undertaken to investigate the potential effect of C. bonduc root extracts on sexual behaviour of male Wistar rats. For that, thirty-six rats were allocated into six groups and orally treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (control), Sildenafil citrate (standard) and C. bonduc root extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and methanol) orally for twenty-eight days. Sexual behaviour parameters such as intromission frequency, intromission latency, mount latency and mount frequency were evaluated on day 0, 14 and 28. After the study completion, the body and reproductive organ weights as well as testicular histology and testosterone level were recorded. C. bonduc root extracts treatments had no significant effect on the body weight of rats. Enhancement in sexual behaviour was observed in ethanolic extract treated rats. An significant increase in mount frequency and intromission frequency as well as significant reduction in mount latency and intromission latency were noticed for ethanolic extract. The same extract caused an improvement in testosterone levels, relative testes weight and histological architecture. The findings demonstrate the aphrodisiac potential of C. bonduc root and lend support to the folkloric use as aphrodisiac.

Safety assessment of the Polypodium feei root extract: Acute and subchronic studies

This study was performed to assess the safety of the oral acute and subchronic administration of Polypodium feei root extract through acute and subchronic studies in mice and rats, respectively. In the acute toxicity treatment, mice were grouped according to the dose (1000, 2000, 4000 and 5000 mg/kg, b.w) and were observed for mortality and toxicity signs for 14 days. In the subchronic treatment, there were six groups of rats (female and male), a control group, three test groups (100, 400, and 800 mg/kg, b.w), and two satellite groups (control satellite and satellite 800 mg/kg groups). The three test groups received the extract orally once daily for 90 days. No animals in the acute and subchronic treatment groups showed mortality and any signs of toxicity, with no significant difference in the body weight and organ index compared to the control. The LD₅₀ of the extract was estimated to be higher than 5000 mg/kg, therefore regarded as practically non-toxic. The haematological profiles did not significantly change on exposure to the extract for 90 days, except the platelet count in the female animals which significantly decreased in animals treated with 400 and 800 mg/kg, returning to normal after 28 days of recovery. The 800 mg/kg dose significantly increased the urea concentration and induced lesions in the stomachs of female animals. However, this undesirable effect on the kidney was not strong, as the creatinine concentration remained in the normal limits, and the histopathological observations showed no alteration in the kidney tissues. No significant morphological alterations in organs were observed, only minor lesions in the liver. These results indicate that the P. feei root extract is safe for use as herbal medicine and recommended at doses lower than 400 mg/kg.

Toxicological evaluation of aqueous extract of the traditional Chinese formula Qing Hao Gan Cao

Qing Hao Gan Cao (QHGC), a Chinese medicinal formula containing Artemisia annua and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, has been used to treat sunstroke and as an antiviral agent for more than 800 years. It has not previously been subject to a toxicological safety evaluation in acute and subacute (28 days) studies. Therefore, the acute and subacute toxicity of an aqueous extract of QHGC were evaluated in vivo. For the QHGC preparation, the botanical raw materials were crushed into pieces and mixed in the ratio of 10:1 in distilled water for 12 h, then boiling three times for 2 h each time. The three decoctions were mixed and filtered, then spray-dried with hot air at 160°C for 30 min, and stored at room temperature. For the acute toxicity test, 72.0 g/kg of QHGC extract was administered by gavage to male and female mice. Body weight, general observations, and autopsy results were recorded. No mortality or toxicity signs were observed during the studies. For the subacute toxicity test, 4.0, 8.0, or 16.0 g/kg/day of QHGC extract was administered to rats for 28 days. General observations and mortality, body weight, biochemical and hematological parameters, organ weight, and pathological morphology were analyzed. The acute and subacute toxicity studies did not show significant changes in body weight, general observations, hematology and biochemical parameters, organ weight, and liver, spleen, stomach, duodenum, testis, ovary, lung, heart, and kidney histopathological analyses. The consumption of QHGC aqueous extract can be considered safe within the conditions of this study.

Nutritional and health beneficial properties of saffron (Crocus sativus L): a comprehensive review

Saffron (Crocus sativus L., family Iridaceae) is used traditionally for medicinal purpose in Chinese, Ayurvedic, Persian and Unani medicines. The bioactive constituents such as apocarotenoids, monoterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids and phytosterols are widely investigated in experimental and clinical studies for a wide range of therapeutic effects, especially on the nervous system. Some of the active constituents of saffron have high bioavailability and bioaccessibility and ability to pass the blood-brain barrier. Multiple preclinical and clinical studies have supported neuroprotective, anxiolytic, antidepressant, learning and memory-enhancing effect of saffron and its bioactive constituents (safranal, crocin, and picrocrocin). Thus, this plant and its active compounds could be a beneficial medicinal food ingredient in the formation of drugs targeting nervous system disorders. This review focuses on phytochemistry, bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioactivity of phytochemicals in saffron. Furthermore, the therapeutic effect of saffron against different nervous system disorders has also been discussed in detail.

Modulation of inflammatory pathways, medicinal uses and toxicities of Uvaria species: potential role in the prevention and treatment of inflammation

The therapeutic efficacy of the contemporary anti-inflammatory drugs are well established; however, prolonged use of such can often lead to serious and life-threatening side effects. Natural product-based anti-inflammatory compounds with superior efficacy and minimum toxicity can serve as possible therapeutic alternatives in this scenario. Genus Uvaria is a part of Annonaceae family, while the majority of its species are widely distributed in tropical rain forest regions of South East Asia. Uvaria species have been used extensively used as traditional medicine for treating all sorts of inflammatory diseases including catarrhal inflammation, rheumatism, acute allergic reactions, hemorrhoids, inflammatory liver disease and inflamed joints. Phytochemical analysis of Uvaria species has revealed flavones, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, polyoxygenated cyclohexene and phenolic compounds as major phyto-constituents. This review is an attempt to highlight the anti-inflammatory activity of Uvaria species by conducting a critical appraisal of the published literature. The ethnopharmacological relevance of Uvaria species in the light of toxicological studies is also discussed herein. An extensive and relevant literature on anti-inflammatory activity of Uvaria species was collected from available books, journals and electronic databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Proquest and Ovid. Extracts and isolates of Uvaria species exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity through various mechanisms of action. 6,7-di-O-Methyl-baicalein, flexuvarol B, chrysin, (-)-zeylenol, 6-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxy-flavone, and pinocembrin were the most potent anti-inflammatory compounds with comparable IC₅₀ with positive controls. Therefore, it is suggested that further research should be carried out to determine the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicity of these therapeutically significant compounds, to convert the pre-clinical results into clinical data for drug development and design.

Toxicity of Saffron Extracts on Cancer and Normal Cells: A Review Article

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Medicinal plants have played an important role in human health since the Stone Age. According to WHO, 80% of Asian and African people rely on traditional medicine and medicinal plants to conserve their health. Saffron has received much attention among the herbal compounds related to cancer treatment.

METHODS

This review aims to provide an overview of in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation molecule mechanism for anti-tumor activity, cancer preventing and protective effects of saffron extract. The review is based on the available data accessible in PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Magiran.ir, and SID.ir databases.

RESULTS

Saffron has selective toxic and preventive effects on cancerous cells and without adverse effects on normal cells and prevents tumor formation. Saffron appears to reduce the toxic effects of anticancer drugs. Saffron has toxicity effects when used in high amounts, which are far greater than those  are used in human food culture.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the observed effects of saffron on the removal of cancer cells, saffron extract can be used in the treatment and prevention of cancer after confirmation in human clinical trials. According to the high IC50 of saffron extracts in normal cells, its toxicity against non-cancerous cells is low and its use is safe. Besides, the studies suggested the cytotoxic effects of saffron on some of the  more cancers, including nervous system cancer and common cancers. Further studies are required to determine the effective dose and influence of mechanism of saffron in various animal type of cancers.

Antibacterial activity and subchronic toxicity of Cassia fistula L. barks in rats

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Extract and ethyl acetate fraction of Cassia fistula L. have potent antibacterial activity against resistant bacteria such as Salmonella typhosa.

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Extract and Ethyl acetate fraction of Cassia fistula L. barks revealed the most active in vivo antibacterial activity.

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At 1000 mg/kg dose of extract exposured for 90 days, histological damages were found either in liver or kidney, but after 30 days the abnormality fully were recovered.

Increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance necessitates the development of more potent antibiotics. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Cassia fistula L. barks as an alternative agent for resistant pathogenic bacteria. The C. fistula barks were extracted with ethanol, followed by partition of the extract to give n-hexane, ethyl acetate and water fractions. An in vitro antibacterial assay was conducted to evaluate inhibitory activity of the extract and fractions against Salmonella typhosa and Shigella dysenteriae. An in vivo antibacterial activity was examined using S. typhosa-infected mouse models, in which the colony number of S. typhosa were counted from the infected rats’ feces. Assesment on safety of the extract was conducted by a subchronic toxicity test which mainly examined alteration occured in biochemical parameters and hystopatological conditions of livers and kidneys. The results showed that the ethanol extract inhibited the growth of both S. typhosa and S. dysenteriae with the MIC of 0.3125% w/v, and the ethyl acetate fraction with the MIC of 0.625% b/v. In the in vivo antibacterial assay, the extract at three doses decreased the colony number of S. typhosa significantly, and after the fourth to sixth days, the precentage of decrease reached more than 90% by 1000 mg/kg dose. The subchronic toxicity test revealed that after the extract exposured for 90 days, a dose of 1000 mg/kg induced liver and kidney damages histologically, however, it returned to normal condition after 30 days of recovery. The results of this study indicated that the extract of C. fistula L. barks had potent in vivo antibacterial activity against S. typhosa as sample of resistant bacteria, and is safe to be used as a herbal medicine, preferably at a dose lower than 1000 mg/kg.

Effect of Prunus Mahaleb L. Seed Extract on Ethylene glycol- and Ammonium Chloride-Induced Urolithiasis in BALB/c Mice

BACKGROUND

Kidney stone disease can be quite painful, recurrent, and affects many people. Despite advances in drug therapy, there is still a need to find effective drugs with fewer complications for long-term treatment of kidney stones and to prevent its recurrence. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Prunus Mahaleb L. seed extract on ethylene glycol- and ammonium chloride-induced urolithiasis in BALB/c mice.

METHODS

The Prunus Mahaleb L. seeds were collected in Mashhad (Iran) in June 2017. Urolithiasis was induced in male BALB/c mice by adding ethylene glycol (EG) 0.75% (v/v) and ammonium chloride (AC) 2% (w/v) to their drinking water for 21 consecutive days. A total of 72 animals were randomly divided into six groups of twelve animals each. Group 1 received purified water as control; group 2 received EG+AC in drinking water; groups 3-5 received the extracts by gavage in dosages of 100, 300, 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively; and group 6 received 888 mg/kg Sankol by gavage. Note that urolithiasis was induced in groups 3-6 in the same manner as in group 2. The data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism Software (version 5.01).

RESULTS

The group receiving Prunus Mahaleb L. extract in a 500 mg/kg dose responded better to the treatment and less damage to the kidney tissue was observed. The serum parameters remarkably decreased in the calculi-induced animals. Besides, the acute toxicity test showed that the use of the extract was safe in animals.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the use of Prunus Mahaleb L. extract effectively prevented the formation of kidney stones.

Toxicological safety evaluation in acute and 28-day studies of aqueous extract from Bei-Qi-Wu-Jia formula

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bei Qi Wu Jia (BQWJ), a modern preparation of a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, is a combination of Radix Astragali and Acanthopanacis Senticosi. Although BQWJ has been used to treat insomnia, fatigue, and loss of appetite, toxicological safety studies are rare in the literature.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity of BQWJ extract after oral administration in mice and rats, respectively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the acute toxicity study, mice underwent oral administration of 67.5 g extract/kg/day. In the subacute toxicity study, rats underwent a single oral administration of 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 g/kg/day of BQWJ extract for 28 days. The animals' general behavior, body weight, food intake, biochemical and hematologic parameters, organ coefficients, and pathological morphology were analyzed.

RESULTS

No evidence of toxicity was observed in the mice after acute exposure to BQWJ extract. The subacute results included no deaths and no changes in general behavior. Although BQWJ extract resulted in some significant changes in other parameters, these alterations cannot be considered treatment-related because they remained within normal ranges throughout the 28 days.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the oral administration of BQWJ extract at doses of less than 67.5 g/kg/day for 1 day or 10.0 g/kg/day for 28 consecutive days can be considered safe and showed no distinct toxicity or side effects in this study.

Acute and Subchronic Oral Toxicity Study of Gardenia Yellow E500 in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the acute and subchronic toxicity of gardenia yellow, a natural colorant widely used in China and other Asian countries. An acute toxicity test was performed in S-D rats of both genders and the lethal dose (LD₅₀) of per oral gardenia yellow was estimated to be more than 15.0 g/kg·bw. In the subchronic study, gardenia yellow was orally administered to rats by gavage at doses of 0, 0.50, 1.50 and 4.50 g/kg·bw/day for 90 days followed by a recovery period of 28 days. No appreciable toxic-related changes were observed in the 0.50 g/kg·bw/day group. When the animals received gardenia yellow at 1.50 g/kg·bw/day or more, body weight loss was observed, and pigments began to deposit in several vital organs, resulting in significant changes of several hematological and biochemical indicators related to the nutritional status of the body, liver and kidney function, more severe in the high dose group. In the recovery period, the alterations of the clinical symptoms and parameters were relieved a lot. Based on the results of the current study, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of gardenia yellow E500 in rats was set to be 0.50 g/kg·bw/day.

Acute and genetic toxicity of GS-E3D, a new pectin lyase-modified red ginseng extract

Korean red ginseng and its extract have been used as traditional medicines and functional foods in countries worldwide. Pectin lyase-modified red ginseng extract (GS-E3D) was newly developed as a dietary supplement for obesity, diabetes-related renal dysfunction, etc. In this study, the safety of GS-E3D on acute toxicity and genotoxicity was evaluated. For acute study, Sprague-Dawley rats were administrated by oral gavage at a dose of 5000 mg/kg GS-E3D. To evaluate genotoxicity of GS-E3D, we conducted three-battery tests, which are Ames test using Escherichia coli (WP2uvrA pKM101) and Salmonella typhimurium strains (TA98, TA100, TA1535 and TA1537), chromosomal aberration test -using Chinese hamster lung cells, and micronucleus test using ICR mice. In acute toxicity studies, there were no dead animals or abnormal necropsy findings in the control group and GS-E3D (5000 mg/kg) treated group. GS-E3D did not induce mutagenicity in the bacterial test, chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster lung cells and micronuclei in bone marrow cells of mice. Conclusively, the approximate lethal dose of GS-E3D was greater than 5000 mg/kg bw and GS-E3D has no genotoxic potential in the three-battery tests on genotoxicity.

In vitro starch digestibility and fate of crocins in pasta enriched with saffron extract

This work aims to study the effect of the addition of saffron extract on fresh pasta in-vitro digestibility. Fresh pasta was formulated with different concentrations of saffron extracts (0.2 and 0.4 %w/w), cooked at two different times (1.5 and 3 min), and in vitro digested (oral, gastric and intestinal stages). Oil was added to pasta before digestion to evaluate the presence of lipids on starch and crocin bioaccessibility. Saffron enrichment and oil addition slowed down the digestion of starch, thus, decreasing the glycemic index of pasta. Concentration of saffron and oil addition contributed to crocin release in the digestion fluids, with the opposite effect of cooking time. Isomerization from trans to cis was enhanced by both, cooking and oil addition. Bioaccessibility of total crocins varied from 2.9 ± 1.1, to 97 ± 3%. Finally, the trans:cis isomers distribution was only close to 50:50 in enriched-pasta cooked during 3 min or with oil addition.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of naringin isolated from Carissa carandas L.: In vitro and in vivo evidence

BACKGROUND

Carissa carandas L. is known in folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities. Meanwhile it is an evergreen shrub that constitutes a continuous source of leaves throughout the year.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

The leaves of Carissa carandas L. may be rich in compounds that can be used as safe anti-inflammatory and antioxidant remedies. The combined antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities provoked the study of the hepatoprotective effects.

STUDY DESIGN

To isolate major constituents from the leaves of Carissa carandas L. and test their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in-vivo and in-vitro.

METHODS

The leaves of Carissa carandas L. were extracted with 80% MeOH and then defatted with CHCl₃ to yield Carissa carandas defatted extract (CCDE). The extract was chemoprofiled using UPLC-MS/MS to stand for major constituents, then subjected to different chromatographic separation steps and naringin (NG) was isolated in a high yield. The anti-inflammatory activity of NG was investigated in-vivo by carrageenan induced hind rat paw edema model at two dose levels (50 and 25 mg/kg). The anti-inflammatory activity was also evaluated in-vitro by measuring its inhibitory effect on LPS induced release of NO from RAW 264.7 macrophages. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by superoxide and DPPH radical scavenging ability. The safety of NG was tested against primary rat hepatocytes. The hepatoprotective effect of CCDE was evaluated by detecting its effects on serum liver function markers and liver cell oxidative stress markers.

RESULTS

NG exhibited potent inhibition of inflammation as compared to indomethacin (20 mg/kg). NG inhibited LPS induced release of NO from macrophages (IC₅₀, 6.4 μM). NG showed significant antioxidant activity as it scavenged the superoxide radical (EC₉₀, 10.95 μM) and DPPH radical (EC₅₀, 11.2 μM). CCDE inhibited the elevation of the serum liver marker enzymes and increased GSH and decreased MDA contents in the liver homogenate. Liver histopathology supported the biochemical findings.

CONCLUSION

C. carandas has potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities.

A comprehensive review of the pharmacological potential of Crocus sativus and its bioactive apocarotenoids

Crocus sativus is an herbaceous plant that belongs to family Iridaceae. It is commonly known as saffron and has been used for medicinal purposes since many centuries in India and other parts of the world. Saffron of commercial importance comprises of dried stigmas of the plant and is rich in flavonoids, vitamins, and carotenoids. Carotenoids represent the main components of saffron and their cleavage results in the formation of apocarotenoids such as crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal. Studies conducted during the past two decades have revealed the immense therapeutic potential of saffron. Most of the therapeutic properties are due to the presence of unique apocarotenoids having strong free radical scavenging activity. The mode of action of these apocarotenoids could be: modulatory effects on detoxifying enzymes involved in combating oxidative stress, decreasing telomerase activity, increased the proapoptotic effect, inhibition of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, and by a strong binding capacity of crocetin with tRNA. The present review focuses on the therapeutic role of saffron and its bio oxidative cleavage products and also highlights the possible molecular mechanism of action. The findings reported in this review describes the wide range of applications of saffron and attributes its free radical scavenging nature the main property which makes this spice a potent chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of various diseases.

Innocuousness of a polyherbal formulation: A case study using a traditional Thai antihypertensive herbal recipe in rodents

Recently, a traditional Thai antihypertensive herbal recipe has reportedly been used in Thailand. Its ingredients have long featured in traditional Thai medicine preparations; however, research indicates that the presence of one of them - Tinospora crispa - may have negative effects on the liver and kidneys. Thus, the safety data of this recipe must be proved in animal models prior to conducting any studies in humans. The present case study aims to evaluate the safety of this recipe in Swiss albino mice and Wistar rats through acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies, respectively. The quality control of this recipe was also achieved to guarantee the chemical consistency throughout the entire experiment. Results showed that this recipe did not cause death or any toxic signs in mice or rats. The oral LD50 value in mice was more than 5.0 g/kg. Some hematological and serum biochemical values of treated rats, such as hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelet, monocytes, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, and creatinine, were found to be statistically different from the control group; however, all values were within the ranges of normal rats. Considering the histological study, no damage on liver and kidney tissues was observed in the treatment.

Phytochemical Investigation, Antitumor Activity, and Hepatoprotective Effects of Acrocarpus fraxinifolius Leaf Extract

Preclinical Research Nine known phenolic compounds were isolated from an aqueous methanolic extract of Acrocarpus fraxinifolius Weight and Arn leaves (AFL) family Fabaceae. This extract of AFL contained approximately 169 mg gallic acid/g as assessed by HPLC. The AFL extract had marginal antitumor activity (IC₅₀  > 200 µL/mL) but showed a concentration-dependent hepatoprotective effect against CCl₄ -induced hepatotoxicity in vitro. Cell viability was increased, ALT and AST activity declined and reduced GSH concentration and SOD activity were restored as compared with silymarin. In vivo concurrent administration of AFL extract (500 mg/kg po) showed a hepatoprotective effect against gamma irradiation and CCl₄ as evidenced by reduction of TNF-α, interleukin-6, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activity, and downregulation of its m-RNA level and decreased proapoptotic protein Bax expression. AFL extract enhanced glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities, reduced glutathione concentrations and upregulated the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2. The extract could ameliorate hepatic injuries induced by gamma irradiation and CCl₄ in rats suggesting potent hepatoprotective activity. Drug Dev Res 78 : 210-226, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Hypolipidemic effect and activation of Lecithin Cholesterol Acyl Transferase (LCAT) by aqueous extract of Spirulina platensis during toxicological investigation

BACKGROUND

Spirulina platensis produced in Nomayos (Cameroon) is used as a dietary supplement. S. platensis is known as a neutraceutical with many beneficial effects on humans like lipid-lowering action. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of hypolipidemic action of aqueous extract of Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) through the toxicological studies.

METHODS

In this study, we included two month old Wistar rats, weighing between 180 and 200 g. Aqueous S. platensis was extracted and prepared using standard methods. The rats received a supplementation of S. platensis at 5000 mg/Kg of body weight as single dose in acute toxicity whereas different doses (250, 500, 1000 mg / kg body weight) were administered in subacute toxicity compared to control. Acute and subacute toxicities were determined according to the guidelines 420 (14 days) and 407 (28 days) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) respectively. Biochemical parameters such as urea, creatinine, total and direct bilirubin, lipid profile and transaminases; and histopathological analysis of the liver and kidneys were used to evaluate the toxicity of S. platensis on these Wistar rats. Plasmatic hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG CoA reductase) and lecithine cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) were performed to explain the lipid-lowering action of S. platensis. Histopathological analysis of the liver and kidneys was performed.

RESULTS

Our results show a decrease in total cholesterol for male rats (from 84 to 74 mg/dl) when the dose of S. platensis increased; this reduction of the total cholesterol level in male rats was significant at 500 mg/kg. There was also a significant inhibition of HMG CoA reductase in a dose dependent manner between 25 and 84.5 fold compared to the control in both male and female groups. At the dose of 250 mg/kg bw, the level of LCAT was higher compared with other groups and control, but the difference was not statistically significant. A slight inflammation in the liver and the mesangial hyperplasia of the renal glomeruli was revealed by the histopathological investigation in subacute toxicity.

CONCLUSION

Spirulina platensis from Cameroon appears to have little toxic effects and may demonstrate hypolipidemic activity through the activation of LCAT.

Antioxidant capacities of the selenium nanoparticles stabilized by chitosan

Backgrounds

Selenium (Se) as one of the essential trace elements for human plays an important role in the oxidation reduction system. But the high toxicity of Se limits its application. In this case, the element Se with zero oxidation state (Se⁰) has captured our attention because of its low toxicity and excellent bioavailability. However, Se⁰ is very unstable and easily changes into the inactive form. By now many efforts have been done to protect its stability. And this work was conducted to explore the antioxidant capacities of the stable Se⁰ nanoparticles (SeNPs) stabilized using chitosan (CS) with different molecular weights (Mws) (CS-SeNPs).

Results

The different Mws CS-SeNPs could form uniform sphere particles with a size of about 103 nm after 30 days. The antioxidant tests of the DPPH, ABTS, and lipid peroxide models showed that these CS-SeNPs could scavenge free radicals at different levels. And the 1 month old SeNPs held the higher ABTS scavenging ability that the value could reach up to 87.45 ± 7.63% and 89.44 ± 5.03% of CS(l)-SeNPs and CS(h)-SeNPs, respectively. In the cell test using BABLC-3T3 or Caco-2, the production of the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) could be inhibited in a Se concentration-dependent manner. The topical or oral administration of CS-SeNPs, particularly the Se nanoparticles stabilized with low molecular weight CS, CS(l)-SeNPs, and treated with a 30-day storage process, could efficiently protect glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and prevent the lipofusin formation induced by UV-radiation or d-galactose in mice, respectively. Such effects were more evident in viscera than in skin. The acute toxicity of CS(l)-SeNPs was tenfold lower than that of H₂SeO₃.

Conclusions

Our work could demonstrate the CS-SeNPs hold a lower toxicity and a 30-day storage process could enhance the antioxidant capacities. All CS-SeNPs could penetrate the tissues and perform their antioxidant effects, especially the CS(l)-SeNPs in mice models. What’s more, the antioxidant capacities of CS-SeNPs were more evident in viscera than in skin.

Safety evaluation (acute and sub-acute studies) of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv. (Cecropiaceae) in Wistar rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv (Cecropiaceae) is a medicinal plant distributed in forests and damp places of tropical Africa. Its leaves are widely used as food and/or for the treatment of various ailments including dysmenorrhoea, female infertility, tumors and diarrhea. However, to the best of our knowledge, no safety assessment of this plant has been reported yet.

AIM OF STUDY

The present study aimed at evaluating the safety of the aqueous extract of leaves of Myrianthus arboreus (MAA) in Wistar rats through an acute and sub-acute oral administration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In acute oral toxicity, the test was performed according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines Nr. 423 (acute toxicity class method, ATC) with slight modifications. Female Wistar rats were orally treated with the aqueous extract of M. arboreus at the doses of 2000 and 5000mg/kg. In sub-acute toxicity study, using the OECD guidelines Nr. 407, the extract was administered by gavage at the doses of 20, 110 and 200mg/kg/day for 28 consecutive days.

RESULTS

A single oral administration of 2000 or 5000mg/kg of the extract induced neither mortality nor exterior signs of toxicity indicating a LD₅₀ >5000mg/kg. In sub-acute study, the extract decreased triglycerides, total cholesterol/high density lipoproteins ratio and atherogenic index of plasma in both sexes at all tested doses. Alanine transaminase decreased in both sexes at 200mg/kg and serum creatinine levels decreased at all tested doses in females. Moreover, significant increases in ovarian and uterine wet weights, red blood cell count, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and hemoglobin were observed at 200mg/kg in females. In males, this extract decreased white blood cell count, lymphocytes and relative weight of seminal vesicles and ventral prostate at 200mg/kg.

CONCLUSION

The aqueous extract of Myrianthus arboreus leaves was non-toxic in acute administration and exhibited a relatively low toxicity potential on accessory sex organs in both sexes, and leukocytes in males following the repeated 28-days oral administration of the dose 200mg/kg.

Evaluation of acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of Crassocephalum rubens leaves in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Crassocephalum rubens is found throughout tropical Africa including the Indian Ocean islands. The leaves are commonly eaten in form of soups and sauces in South-Western Nigeria, also in other humid zones of Africa. Traditionally, it is used as an antidote against any form of poisoning; used to treat stomach and liver complaints; and externally to treat burns, sore eyes, earache, leprosy and breast cancer. In this study, acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of C. rubens leaves was evaluated in rats in order to assess its safety profile.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In acute toxicity study, rats were given a single oral administration of aqueous extract of C. rubens leaves at graded doses (250-5000mg/kg). The animals were monitored for behavioural changes and possible mortality over a period of 24h and thereafter, for 14 days. In the subacute toxicity study, rats of both sexes were administered C. rubens orally at doses of 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 750mg/kg and 1000mg/kg body weight daily, for 28 days. Rats were observed weekly for any changes in general behaviour and body weights. In addition, other relevant parameters were assayed at the end of the main and reversibility study periods.

RESULTS

There was no observed adverse effect; including mortality in the animals. The extract caused no significant difference in the body weights as well as organs weights of treated groups when compared with the control groups. Haematological and biochemical parameters also revealed no toxic effects of the extract on rats. Histological assessments were normal in liver and kidney.

CONCLUSIONS

It can therefore be suggested based on the results from this study that aqueous extract of C. rubens leaves, at dosage levels up to 1000mg/kg, is non-toxic and could also offer protection on some body tissues. Aqueous extract of C. rubens could therefore, be considered safe. This study supports the application of Crassocephalum rubens in traditional medicine.

Acute Toxicity in Rats of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons Given via the Intratracheal Route

1 The approximate lethal dose (ALD) of six chlorinated hydrocarbons via the intratracheal route has been determined in rats and compared with published oral LD50 values.

2 The compounds tested in this study were dichloromethane, perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and ethylene dichloride.

3 A method of administering the materials intratracheally to unanaesthetized animals was developed.

4 The intratracheal ALD of the chlorinated hydrocarbons ranged from 3.1 to 17.5% of the oral LD 50 and death was peracute.

5 Aspiration of chlorinated hydrocarbons may present more of a hazard than oral toxicity and should be considered when rendering first aid or emergency medical treatment.

Toxicological assessment of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of clerodendrum capitatum in Wistar rats

Introduction

Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd) Schumach. & Thonn (Lamiaceae) is used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria, hypertension, obesity, jaundice and diabetes however there is lack of experimental data on its possible toxicity. This study investigated the acute and 28 days sub-chronic toxicity of C. capitatum in Wistar rats.

Methods

In acute toxicity tests, a single administration of the hydroethanolic C. capitatum leaf extract (5 g/kg) was given orally to 5 female rats. The general behavior, adverse effects and mortality were recorded for up to 14 days post treatment. On the 15^th day, the rats were weighed and euthanized for necropsy. In sub-chronic toxicity tests, the extract (4, 8 and 16 g/kg/day) was given orally to both male and female rats for 28 days. The animal body weight was recorded throughout the experiment, while hematological and biochemical parameters of blood and relative organs weights were evaluated on the 29^th day.

Results

Clerodendrum Capitatum did not cause any death or any hazardous symptoms of acute toxicity, showing an LD₅₀ higher than 5 g/kg. Sub-chronic administration of C. capitatum resulted in no noticeable changes in weight gain and water or food consumption. White blood cells and hemoglobin increased while urea concentration, liver enzymes, total cholesterol and glucose concentrations significantly decreased in treated animals. No changes in macroscopical aspect of organs were observed in the animals.

Conclusion

These results showed that acute or sub-chronic oral administration of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Clerodendrum capitatum may be considered as relatively free of toxicity.

Gelucire and Gelucire-PEG400 formulations; tolerability in species used for non-clinical safety testing after oral (gavage) dosing

The selection of a vehicle for oral formulations of compounds to be used in non-clinical safety studies is a challenge for poorly soluble compounds. Typically a compromise between solubility and tolerability has to be reached. Vehicle tolerability data are not readily available for a number of vehicles, and a series of oral tolerability studies were, therefore, conducted with Gelucire and Gelucire:PEG400 formulations in rats, dogs and minipigs in order to determine tolerable daily dose volumes in these species. Gelucire and Gelucire:PEG400 formulations were assessed in studies for up to 5 days in minipigs, 7 days in rats and up to 39 weeks in dogs. Gastrointestinal side effects in terms of soft and/or liquid faeces were noted in all species, but the sensitivity to these effects differed between species with the dog being the most sensitive. It was concluded that Gelucire:PEG400 (90:10) was tolerated in Beagle dogs when administered at 1 ml kg(-1) once daily for 39 weeks, and 100% Gelucire was tolerated in the rat and the minipig when administered once daily at 5 ml kg(-1) for 5 days. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies of three plants used in Cameroonian ethnoveterinary medicine: Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (Xanthorrhoeaceae) leaves, Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) seeds or leaves, and Mimosa pudica L. (Fabaceae) leaves in Kabir chicks

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (Xanthorrhoeaceae), Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) and Mimosa pudica L. (Fabaceae) are widely used in the Cameroonian ethnoveterinary medicine as a panacea, and specifically for gastrointestinal disorders as well as an anthelmintic and antibacterial.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study evaluated the potential toxicity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Aloe vera leaves, Carica papaya leaves or seeds, and Mimosa pudica leaves after acute and sub-chronic administration in chicks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the acute toxicity test a single administration of each of the four hydroalcoholic extracts was given orally at doses ranging from 40 to 5120 mg/kg (n=5/group/sex). In the sub-chronic study, these extracts were given orally as a single administration to chicks at doses of 80, 160, 320 and 640 mg/kg/day for 42 days. The anti-angiogenic properties of these extracts (5-320 µg/mg) were investigated in the chick chorioallantoic membrane in vivo.

RESULTS

In the acute toxicity test, none of the four studied hydroalcoholic extracts induced mortality or significant behavioural changes. The sub-acute treatment with the four plant extracts did not alter either the body weight gain or the food and water consumption. However, the results indicated that Aloe vera leaf extract acute treatment by oral route at doses up to 2560 mg/kg did not produce death in 50% (5/10) of chicks during 24h or 14 days of observation, but 20% (2/10) chicks died. The haematological and biochemical analyses did not show significant differences in any of the parameters examined in female or male groups, with the exception of a transient rise in white blood cell counts at high doses (640 mg/kg). Additionally, these extracts did not have the potential for anti-angiogenic effects through the inhibition of neo-angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane in vivo.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the therapeutic use of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Aloe vera leaves, Carica papaya leaves or seeds and Mimosa pudica leaves had very low toxicity in oral acute high dose administration and no toxicity in oral sub-chronic low dose administration and indicate that the plants could be considered safe for oral medication in chicks.