Toxicological evaluations of the shoot extracts of Achyranthes aspera Linn

Abstract

Achyranthes aspera Linn, a medicinal plant from the Amaranthaceae family, is commonly used in Nigeria to treat various illnesses, including malaria. Many people use medicinal plants as an alternative to traditional medicine. However, some plants may contain harmful chemicals that can have serious side effects on the body. This study investigated the effects of an aqueous shoot extract of Achyranthes aspera Linn on healthy female albino mice in terms of acute toxicity. The methods employed in this study encompassed various procedures including plant collection, authentication of Achyranthes aspera shoots and plant extraction using analytical grade chemicals. Swiss albino mice were acquired and grouped per protocol as experimental animals. Acute toxicity assessments, blood biochemical /haematological assays, histological examination, and statistical analysis were performed. The results showed that the LD50 of the extract was found to be greater than 5000mg/kg body weight, and no deaths occurred during the study. Additionally, there were no abnormalities in the mice's haematological parameters. Interestingly, the mice treated with the extract showed statistically significant lower levels of serum Alanine transaminase compared to the control group with a p-value less than 0.05. The plant's crude extract has been shown to induce some minor liver and kidney damage. The study indicates that Achyranthes aspera Linn could be a safe herbal medicine with minimal adverse effects on both liver and kidney tissues.