Anti-atherogenic and anti-ischemic potentials of Croton membranaceus observed during sub-chronic toxicity studies

Background: Croton membranaceus (CM) is used for benign prostate hyperplasia treatment. Objective: Sub-chronic toxicity studies are non-existent and provided the basis for this study. Materials and Methods: 90 days oral administration of a low dose (LD) (30 mg/kg b. wt.), medium dose (MD) (150 mg/kg b. wt.), and high dose (HD) (300 mg/kg b. wt.) CM aqueous root extract to 3 groups (n = 6 each) of male Sprague-Dawley rats, alongside a control group, was undertaken. Urinalysis, hepato-renal function tests, lipid profile, cardiac enzymes, and routine hematology tests were performed. Results: Triglyceride levels (C = 1.050.19, LD = 0.640.08, MD = 0.550.04, HD = 0.500.02 mmol/L) were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Very low density lipoprotein (C = 0.480.09, LD = 0.290.04, MD = 0.250.02, HD = 0.230.01 mmol/L) decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Cardiac enzymes-creatinine kinase (C = 568172, LD = 31579, MD = 441209, HD = 28681 IU/L) decreased markedly (P < 0.05) alongside lactate dehydrogenase (C = 2675875, LD = 16671229, MD = 1186442, HD = 855239 IU/L) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: C. membranaceus aqueous root extract is non-toxic but demonstrates anti-atherogenic and anti-ischemic potentials.