Sub-acute toxicity study of the aqueous extract from leaves and flowers of Acmella caulirhiza on female albino Wistar rats

ObjectAcmella caulirhiza is a medicinal plant traditionally widely used in Cameroon for the management of several pathologies, hence the need for confirming its pharmacological properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the subacute toxicity of the aqueous extract of leaves and flowers of A. caulirhiza (AE-AC) on Wistar rats.MethodsThree groups of female rats received the aqueous extract of A. caulirhiza (AE-AC) at 100, 250, or 500 mg kg(-1) Bw doses respectively while a normal group (NG) received distilled water by oral intubation at 10 mL kg(-1) Bw daily for 28 days. Animals were weighed every 4 days, death and general toxicity signs were recorded. At the end, rats were fasted for 12 h and after diazepam and ketamine anaesthesia, they were sacrificed; blood was collected for blood count and biochemical analysis. The liver integrity was assessed through transaminase activities, total protein, total cholesterol, and glucose levels, and the kidney integrity through the evaluation of uric acid, and electrolytes level. Histology of some vital organs was also carried out.ResultsAdministration of the extract did not result in death or any observable deleterious effects in rats. No difference in body weight variation of the animals was noted. At 100 and 250 mg/kg Bw doses, AE-AC induced hepatic (through the decrease in transaminase activities and total cholesterol level) and nephroprotective effects (through the decrease in creatinine, uric acid and electrolyte levels) and no change of microarchitecture among treated rats compared to the control group. AE-AC led to an increase in the relative weight of the brain, uterus, and ovaries as well as a change in some haematological parameters compared to normal rats.ConclusionResults indicate that AE-AC had immune-stimulatory effects on rats but could have deleterious effects at 500 mg/kg Bw.