Oral subchronic toxicity of aqueous crude extract of Plantago australis leaves

Insulin Sensitization by PPARγ and GLUT-4 Overexpression/Translocation Mediates the Antidiabetic Effect of Plantago australis

Plantago australis Lam. Subsp. hirtella (Kunth) Rahn is a medicinal plant used as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, throat cancer treatment and for the control of diabetes. P. australis was collected in the state of Morelos, México. The hydroalcoholic extract (HAEPa) of P. australis was obtained by maceration and concentrated in vacuo. Once dry, it was evaluated through an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in normoglycemic mice and in a non-insulin-dependent diabetic mice model. The expression of PPARγ and GLUT-4 mRNA was determined by rt-PCR, and GLUT-4 translocation was confirmed by confocal microscopy. The toxicological studies were conducted in accordance with the guidelines suggested by the OECD, sections 423 and 407, with some modifications. HAEPa significantly decreased glycemia in OGTT curves, as well as in the experimental diabetes model compared to the vehicle group. In vitro tests showed that HAEPa induced an α-glucosidase inhibition and increased PPARγ and GLUT-4 expression in cell culture. The LD₅₀ of HAEPa was greater than 2000 mg/kg, and sub-chronic toxicity studies revealed that 100 mg/kg/day for 28 days did not generate toxicity. Finally, LC-MS analysis led to the identification of verbascoside, caffeic acid and geniposidic acid, and phytochemical approaches allowed for the isolation of ursolic acid, which showed significant PPARγ overexpression and augmented GLUT-4 translocation. In conclusion, HAEPa induced significant antidiabetic action by insulin sensitization through PPARγ/GLUT-4 overexpression.

Nek1-inhibitor and temozolomide-loaded microfibers as a co-therapy strategy for glioblastoma treatment

Malignant glioblastoma (GB) is the predominant primary brain tumour in adults, but despite the efforts towards novel therapies, the median survival of GB patients has not significantly improved in the last decades. Therefore, localised approaches that treat GB straight into the tumour site provide an alternative to enhance chemotherapy bioavailability and efficacy, reducing systemic toxicity. Likewise, the discovery of protein targets, such as the NIMA-related kinase 1 (Nek1), which was previously shown to be associated with temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in GB, has stimulated the clinical development of target therapy approaches to treat GB patients. In this study, we report an electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microfiber (MF) brain-implant prepared for the controlled release of Nek1 protein inhibitor (iNek1) and TMZ or TMZ-loaded nanoparticles. The formulations revealed adequate stability and drug loading, which prolonged the drugs' release allowing a sustained exposure of the GB cells to the treatment and enhancing the drugs' therapeutic effects. TMZ-loaded MF provided the highest concentration of TMZ within the brain of tumour-bearing rats, and it was statistically significant when compared to TMZ via intraperitoneal (IP). All animals treated with either co-therapy formulation (TMZ + iNek1 MF or TMZ nanoparticles + iNek1 MF) survived until the endpoint (60 days), whereas the Blank MF (drug-unloaded), TMZ MF and TMZ IP-treated rats' median survival was found to be 16, 31 and 25 days, respectively. The tumour/brain area ratio of the rats implanted with either MF co-therapy was found to be reduced by 5-fold when compared to Blank MF-implanted rats. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that Nek1 is an important GB oncotarget and the inhibition of Nek1's activity significantly decreases GB cells' viability and tumour size when combined with TMZ treatment.

Suppressive Effect of Huzhentongfeng on Experimental Gouty Arthritis: An In Vivo and In Vitro Study

Background

Huzhentongfeng (HZTF) is an extract from four Chinese medical herbs for treating gout. This study aims to evaluate its antigout activity and preliminary explore its mechanism in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

The rats were intragastrically administered with HZTF for 5 days and then injected 0.1 ml (10 mg) of MSU crystals to their joints for generating a gout model to analyze the paw volume and histopathology of joint synovial tissues of rats with different doses. We also investigated the antioxidant capacity of HZTF in vitro using indication including lipid peroxidation, DPPH^·, and ABTS⁺ radical-scavenging capacity; besides, we used qRT-PCR to measure the effect of HZTF on interleukin (IL)-1β, caspase-1, NLRP3, and NQO1 expression in hydrogen peroxide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in MSU crystal-induced THP-1 monocytes. Confocal microscopy analysis was used to observe the dimerization of ASC adapter proteins. In addition, we also established quality standard of HZTF by using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.

Results

HZTF could significantly suppress the paw swelling and neutrophil infiltration induced by MSU intra-articular injection in rats compared with the control group. HZTF also showed inhibition effects of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) secretion at 25.00 and 50.00 μg/ml in MSU-induced THP-1 cells but showed no effects of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA expression in MSU-induced THP-1 cells. Furthermore, confocal microscopy analysis showed that HZTF could prevent the oligomerization of ASC. Moreover, HZTF also showed effects in cell-free and cell-base tests of antioxidant capacity.

Conclusion

The results prove that HZTF possessed the potential preventive effect against gout arthritis, and the effect may be attributed to its preventing effect on neutrophil infiltration and proinflammatory cytokines secretion such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α which were caused by the activation of inflammasome.

Acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity studies of hesperidin isolated from orange peel extract in Sprague Dawley rats

Citrus sinensis contains glycoside hesperetin-7-rhamnoglucoside (hesperidin) which harbor an array of therapeutic potentials including antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. However, a systematic examination of safety is needed before its utilization. Hence, the present investigation is aimed to evaluate acute and sub-chronic toxicity of hesperidin isolated from the citrus fruit. Hesperidin (73%) was isolated from a methanolic extract of dried peel of the citrus fruit, characterized using FTIR, and standardized by HPLC. Its acute oral toxicity (AOT) and sub-chronic toxicity studies were carried out in Sprague-Dawley rats. Hesperidin (5000 mg/kg) showed 10% mortality in AOT. In sub-chronic toxicity study, hesperidin (250 and 500 mg/kg) did not induce any abnormalities in body weight, food consumption, clinical signs, ophthalmological and neurological observations, urine analysis, hematology, clinical chemistry, organ weights, and gross pathology. However, hesperidin (1000 mg/kg) showed significant (p < 0.05) alterations in body and organ weights, hematology, clinical chemistry, and tissue histopathology. To conclude, hesperidin has median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of 4837.5 mg/kg, and Low Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) at 1000 mg/kg for both male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Thus, hesperidin isolated from citrus fruit showed a good safety profile in animal study.

Toxicological evaluation of a standardized hydroethanolic extract from leaves of Plantago australis and its major compound, verbascoside

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plantago australis is a perennial plant widely distributed in Latin America, and its seeds and leaves are used in folk medicine to treat many diseases and conditions. Among its various chemical compounds, verbascoside is one of the most present, and has several pharmacological activities described, but there is not much information about its toxicity.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The aims of this study were to optimize the extraction of verbascoside from P. australis leaves with ultrasound methods, to develop a validated HPLC method to quantify verbascoside, and to evaluate the toxicological safety of the extract and verbascoside using in vitro and in vivo assays.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dried leaves of P. australis were submitted to different extraction methods (percolation and ultrasound). The optimization of the ultrasound extraction was carried out by complete factorial design (2²) and response surface methodology (RSM), followed by HPLC analysis for marker compounds. HPLC analysis was performed to verify the presence of the marker compounds aucubin, baicalein, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid and verbascoside. Mutagenicity was assessed by Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity assay. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were evaluated in V79 cells by reduction of tetrazolium salt (MTT) and neutral red uptake (NRU) assays, and alkaline comet assay, respectively. Verbascoside phototoxicity was assessed in 3T3 cells by the NRU phototoxicity assay. Wistar rats were used to perform the acute and sub-chronic toxicity tests.

RESULTS

Among the marker compounds, only verbascoside was found in the hydroethanolic extract of P. australis leaves (PAHE); its highest concentration was obtained with the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method, optimized in 40 min and 25 °C, and the method validation was successfully applied. Neither PAHE nor verbascoside showed mutagenic or genotoxic activities. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that both PAHE and verbascoside reduced cell viability only at the highest concentrations, and verbascoside had no phototoxic properties. The in vivo toxicity evaluation of PAHE suggested that the LD50 is higher than 5000 mg/Kg, indicating that this extract is safe for use. In addition, no signs of toxicity were found in subchronic exposure.

CONCLUSION

The HPLC method to quantify verbascoside was validated, and the extraction of verbascoside from P. australis leaves through ultrasound method was optimized, yielding an extract with 6% verbascoside. Our results suggest the toxicological safety of PAHE and verbascoside, corroborating the use of P. australis in folk medicine, and also indicate verbascoside as a potential ingredient in topical formulations.

Wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities induced by a Plantago australis hydroethanolic extract standardized in verbascoside

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plantago australis is a popular plant found to be widely spread in Latin America. In folk medicine, the seeds and leaves are used mainly for anti-inflammatory, wound healing, among others. The verbascoside, a phenolic glycoside, is an active chemical component described in this species of plant, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and healing effects.

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether P. australis hydroethanolic extract (PAHE) standardized in verbascoside could promote wound healing associated with anti-inflammatory action within both in vitro and in vivo models.

METHODS

For the wound healing activity, we used a Scratch Test, an assay capable of evaluating the migratory ability of keratinocyte cells (HaCat) in vitro and thereby confirming the activity in rats. For the anti-inflammatory activity, the inflammation was induced with LPS in microglial murine cells (N9). Inflammatory mediators (IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, INFγ, MCP-1 and TNFα) were measured and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated. In addition, using paw edema induced by carrageenan in rats, the anti-inflammatory activity in vivo was analyzed.

RESULTS

The PAHE and verbascoside, induced a significant increase in migration of keratinocytes, at all concentrations tested when compared to the negative control. The wound healing activity in vivo showed that the PAHE accelerated the process. The treatments with PAHE and verbascoside induce increases in the antioxidants enzymes, suggesting a possible activation of these enzymes. However, this did not result in an increase in the expression of inflammatory mediators in microglial cells. In LPS activated cells the verbascoside displayed a significant reduction of TNFα, IL-6, IL-12p70, MCP-1 and INFγ, while the PAHE only displayed statistically significant reduction in TNFα. Interestingly, both the compounds could reduce the oxidative parameters in N9 cells activated by LPS. Additionally, pretreatment with PAHE inhibited the paw edema in rats.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that PAHE has wound healing activity, improving cells migration and, as well as was able to reverse the oxidation effect in LPS-activated N9 cells. The wound-healing and anti-inflammatory activities of PAHE were confirmed in vivo. In addition, the presence of verbascoside can be related to PAHE effects, since this compound was capable of increase keratinocytes migration and inhibiting inflammation mediators.

Evaluation of genotoxicity and subchronic toxicity of the standardized leaves infusion extract of Copaifera malmei Harms in experimental models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Copaifera malmei Harms (Fabaceae), known mainly as óleo-mirim, is a native and endemic plant found in the states of Mato Grosso and Goiás of Brazil. The plant's leaves infusion is popularly used by riverine communities of the northern Araguaia microregion, Mato Grosso, Brazil, for the treatment of gastric ulcers and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract. The gastric antiulcer activity of the standardized leaves infusion extract of Copaifera malmei (SIECm) in rodents has been reported. The objective of this study was to advance the investigation of the safety profile of SIECm by evaluating the genotoxicity and subchronic toxicity using in vitro and in vivo experimental models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SIECm was prepared by infusion, by incubating the powdered dried leaves material in boiled water for 15min. In vitro genotoxicity of SIECm (10, 30 or 100μg/mL) was assessed by micronucleus and comet tests using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-k1) epithelial cells. The evaluation of subchronic toxicity profile was performed by daily oral administration of SIECm (100, 400 or 1000mg/kg) to Wistar rats for 30 days. Clinical observations of toxicological related parameters were done every 6 days. After the treatment period, blood was collected for hematological and biochemical analysis, and some organs were removed for macroscopic and histopathological analysis.

RESULTS

In the micronucleus assay, SIECm demonstrated anti-mutagenic activity. In the comet assay, SIECm presented anti-genotoxic effect preventing DNA damage at all the three concentrations tested with pre-treatment, while the same effect was only observed in the co-treatment at the lowest concentration. Post-treatment with SIECm increased the genetic damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) at the highest concentration. In the subchronic toxicity test, few changes were observed, such as increase in feed consumption in the group of animals treated with 100mg/kg of the SIECm, which reversed after 6 days. There were no macroscopic, histological and relative weights changes in the organs of animals treated with SIECm. No toxicologically relevant changes were observed in the hematological analysis. Subchronic administration of SIECm reduced levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in animals treated with 100mg/kg and serum triglyceride levels at 400 and 1000mg/kg. However, the hematological and biochemical changes observed are within the physiological ranges for this animal species.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate that SIECm is not genotoxic, and does not present toxicity when used orally for up to 30 days. In addition, it showed protection to the genetic damage induced by H₂O_2. The SIECm therefore has a high safety margin for therapeutic use.

Toxicological evaluation of hydroethanolic extract of Helicteres sacarolha A. St.- Hil. et al

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Helicteres sacarolha, popularly known in Brazil as 'rosquinha', 'sacarolhas', 'semente-de-macaco', is widely distributed in different phytogeographic zones in Brazil. Preparations from its roots and leaves are employed in popular Brazilian medicine in the treatments of ailments such as peptic ulcer, hypertension among others. Cytotoxicity, acute oral and subchronic toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of Helicteres sacrolha was investigated as well as the classes of phytochemical present in the extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hydroethanolic (70%) extract of Helicteres sacarolha (HEHs) was prepared by maceration. Potential cytotoxicity was evaluated in CHO-k1 cells. Acute administration of HEHs was done in mice as a single dose up to 5000mg/kg and subchronic oral toxicity study for 30 days in Wistar rats at daily oral doses of 0, 250 and 750mg/kg b.w. Clinical observations and toxicological related parameters were determined every 6 days. Blood was collected for biochemical and hematological analyses, while histological examinations were performed on selected organs. Selected secondary metabolites detected were quantified by UV-spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

RESULTS

The extract was non-cytotoxic to CHO-k1 cells. In acute oral toxicity, there was no mortality or clinical alterations in the female mice, at all doses, except for the transient diarrhea observed at 5000mg/kg acute. Doses up to 2000mg/kg caused no mortality or treatment-related clinical manifestations in the male mice, but treatment-related alterations were however observed at 4000mg/kg, with mortalities recorded at 5000mg/kg. During the subchronic oral toxicity study, no mortality or treatment-related clinical signs were observed. Differences in relative organ weight, hematological parameters and histopathology observations between the treated and the control groups were considered not to be treatment-related. Spectrophotometric analysis revealed the presence of relatively high content of phenolics and flavonoids in HEHs. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of the quantified compounds and demonstrated the presence of ellagic acid, morin and naringin.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirmed that HEHs have a broad safety margin for therapeutic use.

Toxicological in vitro and subchronic evaluation of LASSBio-596

LASSBio-596, 2-[4-(1,4-tiazinan-4-ylsulfonyl) phenylcarbamoyl] benzoic acid, is an achiral compound containing a subunit carboxylic amide, was capable of preventing induced mechanical and morphological changes in the lungs that commonly caused the onset of asthma. Previous studies to determine the acute toxicity of oral LASSBio-596 at dose of 2000mg/kg caused no deaths in any of the tested animals. To further evaluate the safety of LASSBio-596, in vitro and in vivo tests were carried out. Regarding to in vitro test were used renal, hepatic, pulmonary, cardiac, neurologic and intestinal cell lines. They were evaluated using neutral red (NR) and [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) assays. Micronuclei also was performed. Concerning to in vivo was performed subchronic on Wistar rats at doses of 10, 50, and 250mg/kg and zebrafish test. The in vitro tests results showed the safety of LASSBio-596. However, subchronic toxicity study results revealed changes in the blood parameters of amylase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose and creatine kinase (CK) which is used for cardiotoxicity evaluation, although, did not identify any histopathological alterations. However, zebrafish test demonstrated cardiac damage. It was impossible to estimate the no-observed-adverse-effect-levels and lowest observed-adverse-effect level due to the presence of cardiotoxicity in all tested doses.

Toxicological, toxicokinetic and gastroprotective evaluation of the benzaldehyde semicarbazone

Benzaldehyde semicarbazone (BS) has presented positive results in several pharmacological models, including anticonvulsivant and anti-inflammatory models. The present study evaluated the preclinical toxicity (acute and subchronic), as well as the toxicokinetic and gastroprotective effects of BS against ethanol lesions. Oral doses of 300 and 2000mg/kg were used in the preclinical acute toxicity study; 100, 200, and 300mg/kg were used in both the subchronic toxicity evaluation and the gastric study; and 300mg/kg was used in the toxicokinetic study. No impact from the dose of 300mg/kg could be identified; while, one animal died at 2000mg/kg in the acute toxicity test. In the subchronic toxicity test, changes in the biochemical parameters of the liver, as well as in the histopatological evaluation, demonstrated that BS is a hepatotoxic drug. BS proved to be effective for moderate and severe gastric lesions. In the toxicokinetics study, BS presented a low concentration and rapid plasma disappearance. Several results also indicate that BS is likely to be mostly eliminated from the liver and may well undergo a first-pass effect after oral absorption. It was impossible to estimate the noobserved-adverse-effect-levels (NOAEL) and lowest-observed-adverse-effect-levels (LOAEL) due to the presence of hepatotoxicity in all tested doses.

Safety Profile of a Polyherbal Formulation (Gynocare capsules) in Female Rats by Subchronic Oral Toxicity Study

Gynocare capsules, is a polyherbal formulation, are used as uterine tonic and for treating gynaecological ailments like infertility, leucorrhea, and menstrual disorders. The formulation contains ingredients of herbal origin, such as, extracts of Ashoka, Vasaka, Durva, Chandan, Musk, and so on. It was evaluated for its safety at the therapeutic dose level by a repeated dose oral toxicity study in albino Wistar rats. The herbal formulation was administered orally at a therapeutic dose of 100 mg/kg/day, for 90 days. All animals were monitored daily for their health status and signs of abnormalities. The body weight, water consumption, and food intake were measured once weekly. At the end of the experimental period, various hematological and biochemical parameters were estimated and histopathologies of selected organs were conducted. The study resulted from the long-term oral administration of Gynocare capsules (100 mg/kg), did not cause any relevant signs of toxicity nor significant changes in the physical, hematological and biochemical parameters. However, statistically significant differences were seen in the relative organ weights of adrenal gland, ovary, and serum creatinine levels. The reduction in ovary weight revealed the possibility of the drug targeting the ovary. Moreover, no pathological features were identified in the treated group as monitored by the histopathological analysis of the internal organs. The study established that Gynocare capsules at the dose given (100 mg/kg) did not induce any remarkable or significant toxic effects, indicating that it was safe in rats following oral administration for 90 consecutive days.

Toxicity Profile of the Aqueous Ethanol Root Extract of Corrigiola telephiifolia Pourr. (Caryophyllaceae) in Rodents

Corrigiola telephiifolia Pourr. (Caryophyllaceae) is a Moroccan medicinal plant. Despite its popular usage, no study has been published concerning its toxicological profile. The acute toxicity of C. telephiifolia root extract was evaluated by giving it orally to mice at single doses of 5000, 10000, and 14000 mg/kg bodyweight. The extract was also administered at doses of 5, 70, and 2000 mg/kg bodyweight per day to rats for a forty-day toxicity study. No mortality or signs of toxicity were observed in the acute study. In the forty-day study in rats, the extract at 5 mg/kg/day showed no toxicological effects in either sex. At 70 mg/kg/day, the treated group differed from the control only by a significant decrease in serum concentrations of sodium and chloride ions (P < .05). At the dose of 2000 mg/kg/day, the extract significantly increased the serum concentrations of creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase and phosphorus (P < .05) all suggestive of functional nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. The relative bodyweight of both sexes decreased at the dose of 2000 mg/kg/day, with a fast recovery for males. Histological examination did not reveal any treatment-related effects. In conclusion, Corrigiola extract appears safe at the doses used ethno-medicinally. Much higher doses pose toxicological risks.

Preliminary toxicity study of dichloromethane extract of Kielmeyera coriacea stems in mice and rats

Kielmeyera coriacea Mart. (Clusiaceae), known as "Pau Santo" or "Saco de Boi" in the central Brazilian plateau region, is used to treat several tropical diseases. The present study evaluated the toxic effects of dichloromethane (DcM) extract of Kielmeyera coriacea stems, administered to rodents. In the acute toxicity tests, mice receiving doses of this extract by the oral and intraperitoneal routes, showed reversible effects, with LD50 values of 1503.0 and 538.8 mg/kg, respectively. In the repeated-dose oral (90 days) toxicity tests, male and female Wistar rats were treated by gavage with different doses of DcM extract (5, 25 or 125 mg/kg). In biochemical and haematological evaluations, the results varied widely in respect to dose and sex, with no linear profile, and did not show clinical correlations. In the histopathological examinations, the groups exhibited some changes, but there were no significant differences between the groups compared to the controls. In conclusion, these investigations appeared to indicate the safety of acute and repeated oral administration of the DcM extract of Kielmeyera coriacea stems, which can therefore be continuously used with safety.

Toxicological studies on hydroalcohol extract of Calendula officinalis L

The hydroalcohol extract (HAE) of Calendula officinalis L. was evaluated for its acute toxicity by the oral route in rats and mice and for the subacute effect on hematological, biochemical and morphologic parameters in rats. In the acute toxicity test, HAE failed to cause death in the animals after administration of oral doses up to 5.0 g/kg. Oral treatment with HAE at 0.025, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg did not induce hematological alterations when compared with the control group. In the biochemical parameters, there was an increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and in alanine transaminase (ALT) levels. Morphological examination of the brain, kidney and heart did not show any alteration. However, inflammatory sites were found in the lung and liver, which were associated, respectively, with oral gavage and a possible hepatotoxic effect. HAE was non-toxic in rats, although there was evidence of renal and liver overload.

Acute and chronic toxicological studies of Dimorphandra mollis in experimental animals

Dimorphandra mollis Benth. (Caesalpiniaceae), known as "faveira" or "fava d'anta" is a common plant in central Brazilian cerrado that is used mainly as a vasoprotector. Its main marker is rutin. The present study aimed to evaluate the security of Dimorphandra mollis dry extract in rodents. The extract presented a rutin content of 76+/-3%. Acute and chronic (180 days) toxicity was evaluated after per os administration. In acute toxicity, 3500 and 5000 mg/kg doses presented reversible effects. In chronic toxicity, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg doses did not provoke significant changes in body weight of the animals and in water and food consumption. Behavioral reversible changes and in blood count parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit and red cells decrease and platelets increase in male in rats) were observed only in 2000 mg/kg dose. In biochemical evaluation, the results varied a lot considering doses and sex, without a linear profile. Some parameters showed a significant difference but without a clinical correlation. In histopathological examination, lung hemorrhage was observed in 2000 mg/kg dose. In conclusion, the study suggest that the extract is safe in a 1000 mg/kg dose, whereas for 2000 mg/kg dose further studies are needed. In long-term use, caution is required.