Some Toxicological Parameters in Rats Treated Sub-Chronically With Aqueous Extract of Bryophyllum Pinnatum

Abstract

Background: Aqueous leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum is gaining popularity because of its many ethnomedicinal uses. The extract is often used for chronic conditions such as hypertension by alternative medical practitioners. Earlier we studied its acute and sub-acute toxicological profile. Here we evaluated its sub-chronic effects on some gross toxicological, biochemical and haematological parameters in rats. Materials and Methods: Adult Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes were used. The animals were given oral doses of 0.5 or 2.5 g/kg/day of the extract for 90 consecutive days. Controls were sham-treated by administering distilled water for the same period. Whole body weight, terminal organ weight, litter number and weight were recorded. Aspartate amino-transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT), Na⁺, K⁺, creatinine and haematological indices were assayed in the animals. Results: There were no significant differences in weight, organ-to-body weight ratios and litter numbers across the groups but mean litter weight was significantly lower in the extract-treated groups. Values of haematological parameters were also comparable except for a significant decrease in PCV in the 2.5 g/kg/day group. ALT values were significantly reduced in the extract-treated groups but AST values decreased significantly in the 2.5 g/kg/day group. The levels of GGT were significantly elevated in the extract-treated groups. Na⁺, K⁺, creatinine and urea levels were comparable across the groups. Conclusion: Sub-chronic administration of high doses of the aqueous leaf extract of B. pinnatum seems to be safe although more data are required to further confirm this.