INVESTIGATION OF ACUTE AND REPEATED DOSING ORGANOTOXICITY POTENTIAL OF ETHANOL ROOT EXTRACT OF SOLANUM ERIANTHUM IN WISTAR RATS

Abstract

Background: Solanum erianthum root (SER) extract is used in traditional medicine to treat dysentery, fever and for pain management. This study examined the toxicity and safety profile of ethanol extract of SER in rats.

Method: The LD₅₀ of SER was determined using Lorke’s method. Groups of rats were administered 250, 500 or 750 mg/kg of the ethanol extract of SER daily for 28 days, this was followed by 21 days of recovery study. Various endpoints of toxicity on the kidney, liver and brain including haematological and biochemical parameters as well as histopathological examination were assessed.

Result: The LD₅₀ of SER was determined to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. There was no significant difference across the weight and haematological parameters as well as the lipid profile across all the doses investigated when compared to control in the repeated dose toxicity and recovery studies. The results of biochemical evaluations of liver and kidney injury biomarkers in the serum suggest varying degree of effects on the organs marked by significant increases in serum AST, ALT, urea and creatinine. Histopathological examination revealed that the extract caused dose dependent inflammation and vascular congestion to the brain, liver, and kidney in the toxicity study. However, these effects resolved significantly in the recovery study.

Conclusion: The ethanol extract of SER is safe for acute use but has potential to induce reversible toxic manifestations on the brain, liver and kidney following prolonged repeated administration.