Acute Toxicity, Immunomodulation Activities, and Phytochemical Profiles of Sapium ellipticum Stem Bark Aqueous Extract

Abstract

Background: The stem bark of Sapium ellipticum is a medicinal plant frequently utilized in traditional medicine for treating a range of ailments. Despite its widespread use, there is limited data regarding the safety and immunomodulatory potential of its extract.

Objective: This investigation was conducted to assess the phytochemical profile, acute toxicity, and immunomodulatory activity of the aqueous extract of S. ellipticum stem bark.

Methods: Acute toxicity was assessed using the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines at doses of 123, 300, and 2000 mg/kg. Immunomodulatory activity was evaluated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to measure the expression levels of IL-10, IL-6, IL-1Ra, and IL-1β. Phytochemical profiling was carried out using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Results: The aqueous extract of S. ellipticum stem bark did not produce any hematological or biochemical signs of toxicity, indicating that the lethal dose was greater than 2000 mg/kg. The extract showed potential as an immunomodulator, with downregulation of IL-6 and IL-10 and upregulation of IL-1Ra and IL-1β. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of anti-inflammatory compounds, such as Fraxetin and L-carnitine. However, the extract also showed upregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, with no inflammatory compounds identified.

Conclusion: Findings from the present study suggest aqueous extract of S. ellipticum stem bark is safe up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg, and shows immunomodulatory potential through the presence of anti-inflammatory compounds. Furthermore, provides a foundation for future research on the potential medicinal uses of this extract.