Acute and subchronic toxicological evaluation of Echinophora platyloba DC (Apiaceae) total extract in Wistar rats

Evaluation of the acute and sub-acute toxicity of the black caraway seed essential oil in Wistar rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acute toxicity as lethal dose 50% (LD₅₀) and sub-acute toxicity of the black caraway Bunium persicum (Bioss) seed essential oil in male Wistar rats. The compounds of B. persicum were identified by GC/MS and amount of each compound was evaluated. 21 different compounds were determined in the essential oil and the main components were: carvone, p-cymene, gamma-terpinene, p-cymene-8-ol, limonene, isoterpinolene, and 2-beta pinene. For acute toxicity evaluation, the animals were randomly divided into nine group (n = 6) and received 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500 and 4000 mg/kg seed essential oil, respectively and the LD₅₀ value for black caraway seed essential oil was obtained above 4000 mg/kg body weight. According to data, treatment with the black caraway seed essential oil sub-acute toxicity study attenuated histopathological changes in lung, liver, kidney, testes and spleen tissues and the results of this study show that the black caraway essential oil can not affect the immune and blood system, important enzymes and vital organs of the body..

TRPA1 Modulating C14 Polyacetylenes from the Iranian Endemic Plant Echinophora platyloba

Phytochemical investigation of the apolar extract obtained from aerial parts of the Iranian endemic plant Echinophora platyloba DC (Apiaceae) resulted in the characterization of the polyacetylene fraction of this plant. This resulted to be composed of the known echinophorins A and B, embedding the very rare α-pyrone terminal, and of the new echinophorin D (3), including also three conjugated triple bonds. The chemical structures of these compounds were secured by detailed inspection of MS and 1D/2D NMR spectra. The isolated polyacteylenes were evaluated for their modulation of six thermo-TRP channels and they revealed a selective activity on TRPA1, an ion channel involved in the mediation of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. This is the first report on the activity of plant polyacetylenes on transient receptor potential (TRP) channels.

Crude Methanol Extract of Echinophora Platyloba Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest at S-Phase in Human Breast Cancer Cells

The aim of the present study was to determine cytotoxic activity of crude methanolic extract of Echinophora platyloba on breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line. The free radical scavenging effects of methanolic extract of E. platyloba were tested using DPPH method. Crude methanolic extract exhibited potential antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 234.28 ± 21.63 μg/mL when compared to the standard BHT with an IC₅₀ value of the 19.5 ± 0.8 μg/mL. In addition, the in-vitro cytotoxic activity of this extract was studied against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-10a cells by MTT assay for 12, 24 and 36 h. Our data showed 534.6 ± 7.2 μg/mL of extract following 24 h of incubation was the most cytotoxic dose against MDA-MB-231 cells in comparison with other doses. This extract could induce apoptosis and promote cell-cycle arrest at S-phase in MDA-MB-231 cells after 24 h of incubation, as compared to the control group (p < 0.001) and could significantly up-regulate the expression of bax and p27 genes at the level of 2.8 and 2.2 folds, respectively. While, a significant amount of down-regulation was observed for bcl-2 gene expression, which was observed to be 0.4 fold. The present results prove the anticancer capacity of crude methanolic extract of E. platyloba to inhibit limit cell proliferation, and inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Subchronic toxicity and anti-HSV-1 activity in experimental animal of dolabelladienetriol from the seaweed, Dictyota pfaffii

This study examined in rats the subchronic toxicity and anti- HSV-1activity after oral administration of dolabelladienetriol (D1), a diterpene isolated from the seaweed Dictyota pfaffii. In subchronic toxicity (SCT) tests, female rats received D1 by gavage 15 mg/kg/day (n = 5) for 50 days, and general behavior, death, hematological, biochemical and histological changes in the liver, kidney, stomach, and duodenum were determined. For the anti-HSV-1 activity, female mice were infected and treated orally with a dose of 20 mg/kg (n = 5) twice a day with D1 and any lesions in the skin were then recorded for 18 days. Dolabelladienetriol in SCT did not significantly change behavior, body weight, hematological or biochemical profiles. The liver and kidneys, however, showed some alterations in rats treated with D1, similar to those in rats treated with ACV, while the other tissues had no significant changes. The anti-HSV-1 activity of D1 had a similar efficacy to the ACV drug control in mice. Our results showed that D1 has potential commercial development as a new HSV-1drug.

A Review of Botany and Pharmacological Effect and Chemical Composition of Echinophora Species Growing in Iran

This review was conducted to investigate the botany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of Echinophora species. The information of this review was obtained by searching for keywords Apiaceae, Echinophora, pharmacological effects, and traditional and modern medicine in scientific articles and books published in search engines Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, and Web of Science. The traditional uses of Echinophora and the existence of valuable phytochemicals in the plant have led to isolation and drug discovery of natural medicines such as antibiotic, analgesics, and anticancer drugs, and the beneficial effects of these plants can widely be used in healthcare.

Preclinical assessment of β-d-mannuronic acid (M2000) as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

CONTEXT

β-d-Mannuronic acid (M2000) has shown its therapeutic effects with the greatest tolerability and efficacy in various experimental models such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), adjuvant induced arthritis (AIA), nephrotic syndrome, and acute glomerulonephritis. Despite pharmacological effects of β-D-mannuronic acid, there have been no systematic toxicological studies on its safety so far.

OBJECTIVE

The study was designed to determine the acute and subchronic toxicity of β-D-mannuronic acid, an anti-inflammatory agent, in healthy male NMRI mice and Wistar rats, respectively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the acute toxicity study, the animals received orally five different single doses of β-D-mannuronic acid and were kept under observation for 14 d. In the subchronic study, 24 Wistar male rats were divided into four groups and were treated orally (gavage) once daily with test substance preparation at dose levels of 0, 50, 250, and 1250 mg/kg body weight for at least 63 consecutive days (9 weeks). Mortality, clinical signs, body weight changes, hematological and biochemical parameters, gross findings, organ weights, and histopathological determinations were monitored during the study.

RESULTS

The results of acute toxicity indicated that the LD50 of β-D-mannuronic acid is 4.6 g/kg. We found no mortality and no abnormality in clinical signs, body weight, relative organ weights, or necropsy in any of the animals in the subchronic study. Additionally, the results showed no significant difference in hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters in rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that β-D-mannuronic acid is relatively safe when administered orally in animals.

Acute and subchronic toxicity as well as evaluation of safety pharmacology of traditional Chinese medicine "Huhezi"

The study was conducted to evaluate the toxicity and safety pharmacology of the traditional Chinese medicine, "Huhezi" granules. The results of acute toxicity test showed that the granules' LD50 was more than 5000 mg/kg, which indicated that the "Huhezi" belonged to actually non-toxic drug. Subchronic toxicity study showed that non-toxic reaction were detected in high (1000 mg/kg), medium (500 mg/kg) and low dose (250 mg/kg) of "Huhezi" groups by measuring rat body weight, organ coefficient, blood physiological indexes and blood biochemical indexes. Pathological examination showed that no tissue lesions were observed in test organs except liver (mild granular degenerationand reversible vesicular degeneration), spleen (Langerhans cells infiltrating) and kidney (homogeneous red staining of renal tubule). Safety pharmacology study found that "Huhezi" had no effects on the central nervous system, respiratory system and cardiovascular system. These results suggested that the dose of "Huhezi" at or below 1000 mg/kg through oral administration is considered safe.

Characterizing the human equivalent dose of herbal medicines in animal toxicity studies

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Herbal medicines have been generally believed to be safe. With the increasing use of herbal medicine worldwide, however, the safety of traditional herbal drugs frequently becomes a medical issue.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was aimed to characterize the safe dose of herbal medicines through the systematic review for "human equivalent dose (HED)" from animal-based toxicity studies.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A literature search for animal-based toxicity studies of herbal medicines in eight databases, including PubMed and Embase, was performed without language restriction. From the "no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL)" of each animal study, HED values were then calculated according to the composition (single or multiple herbs) and indication of the medicines.

RESULTS

Among 729 relevant articles identified in the initial screening, 112 (233 studies comprising 105 single-herb and 128 multiple-herb studies) that met our inclusion criteria were finally reviewed. The total average HED value (from mouse, rat, rabbit and dog) was 278.1±358.0 mg/kg, and the values for single- and multiple-herb studies were 322.7±488.4 mg/kg and 241.5±189.2 mg/kg, respectively. When the studies were analyzed according to herbal drug indication, drugs used for revitalization had the highest HED value (433.0±265.2 mg/kg), while those for infectious diseases had the lowest (110.6±118.6 mg/kg).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide important information regarding the safe dose of herbal medicines; thus, these data offer researchers and practitioners information critical for drug development or clinical application.

Antioxidant activity and safety assessment of Tragopogon buphthalmoides hydroethanolic extract: Acute and subchronic toxicities

Tragopogon buphthalmoides (DC.) Boiss, is widely used as a food additive with some imputed health effects in folk medicine of western Iran. Unfortunately, despite the prevalent medicinal uses of the plant, there are no reports on the toxic effects of T. buphthalmoides aerial parts. The present study evaluated the potential toxicity of dried hydroethanolic extract of the species in wistar rats. Also, we investigated antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) of the extract. In the acute study, single doses of extract were administered orally, and the rats were then monitored for 14 days. In the subchronic toxicity study, the sample was administered to the rats for 45 days. In the antioxidant capacity assays dried extract showed moderate to weak antioxidant activities. Also, the sample showed relatively notable TPC. The results of acute study indicated that the LD50 of T. buphthalmoides is higher than 2500 mg/kg. Biochemical analysis showed some significant changes including creatinine, glucose and triglyceride levels. Moreover, some significant abnormality of lung, kidney and liver organs was observed. Based on the results of this study, adverse effect level (AEL) of dried hydroethanolic extract of T. buphthalmoides considered to be less than 175 mg/kg/day for the male and female rats.

Acute and subchronic toxicological evaluation of Stachys lavandulifolia aqueous extract in Wistar rats

Stachys lavandulifolia (S. lavandulifolia) is a plant that has been widely used as an herbal medicine in Iran. Unfortunately, despite the prevalent medicinal uses of the plant, there are no reports on the possible toxic effects of S. lavandulifolia. In the present study the potential toxicity of S. lavandulifolia after acute and subchronic administration in rats was evaluated. Rats were orally treated with single doses of S. lavandulifolia aqueous extract and screened for signs of toxicity two weeks after administration. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, S. lavandulifolia was administered for 45 days. Mortality, clinical signs, body weight changes were assayed during the study. After 45 days animals were sacrificed and hematological and biochemical parameters, as well as weight of some organs were measured. All of the rats treated with different concentrations of water extracts of S. lavandulifolia were alive for all 14 days of observation. No hematological changes were observed a part from significant increase in WBC and neutrophils counts. Moreover, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatinine significantly increased. Histopathological examinations showed fatty change, degeneration of hepatocytes and renal glomerular atrophy in the male rats. In the female rats, atrophy of hepatocytes and dilatation of sinusoids in liver, hyperemia and degeneration of renal epithelium mostly in cortical region were observed. Based on the results of this study no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of the total aqueous extract of S. lavandulifolia considered to be 250 and 100 mg/kg/day for the male and female rats, respectively.