Evaluation of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta stem ethanol extract in animal models

Abstract

Although herbal medicines are less potent compared to synthetic drugs in some cases, but are still considered less toxic less side effects.   Cryptolepis sanguinolenta stem ethanol extract (CSSE) is a reportedly potent antimalarial plant with dearth of data on the safety  and efficacy on the brain and heart of animals. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of CSSE in animal models. Thirty albino rats  were randomly distributed into five groups (n=6). Group A=distilled water (control), Groups B-E=250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg body  weight extract, respectively, for 21 days. Phytochemicals and biochemical analyses were performed using standard method. Total protein  (TP), direct bilirubin (DB), total bilirubin (TB), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate  +   transaminase (AST) were evaluated in liver.  Na⁺ -K⁺ -ATPase, Ca²⁺ -Mg²⁺ -ATPase, and AST were evaluated in heart. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and  nitric oxide (NO) were evaluated in brain. Lipid profiles, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and  glutathione Stransferase (GST) were evaluated in serum as well. The results revealed that CSSE contained alkaloids, glycosides, steroids,  terpenoids and proteins at 35.11, 9.80, 52.35, 22.61 and 30.32 mg/100g, respectively. CSSE significantly increased (p<0.05) liver TB and AST,  heart AST, and MDA and GST, while total cholesterol and AChE was reduced. However, no significant difference (p>0.05) was  observed in triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, TP, DB, liver ALT, Na⁺ -K⁺ -ATPase, Ca²⁺ -Mg²⁺ -ATPase, BChE, NO, SOD and  CAT in the subjects. CSSE also kept histo-architecture of the subjects intact. Hence, CSSE induced mild alterations in biochemical  parameters and tissues of the subjects without an observable damage, hence relatively safe for consumption.