In vitro and in vivo Evaluation of the Toxicity Roots of Leptadeniahastata (PER) Decne. Cytotoxicity on Caco2 and HepG2 Cells, Acute and Subacute Toxicity on Wistar Rats
Abstract
Background : Nowadays, the use of medicinal plants,
for treatment of several pathologies, continues to gain
grounds throughout the world. Leptadeniahastata, like
other medicinal plants, isused as therapeutic agent for
several pathological conditions including diabetes mellitus,
diarrhoea, and prostatitis, among other, however, limited
data on its toxicity are available.
This study aims to evaluate the safety of the L. hastata root
extract by in vitro and in vivo tests.
Methods: Cytotoxicity and possible apoptosis on Caco 2
and HepG 2 cells were assessed by MTT, Neutral Red, LDH
activity and DNA fragmentation assays. The in vivo study
was carried out in albino Wistar rats by administering the
methanolic extract of L. hastata by gavages, followed by
determination of the Lethal Dose 50 (LD50), and the No
Observable Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) to get an idea of
its acute and subacutetoxicity.
Results: The current study showed a low cytotoxicity effect
with an IC50 greater than 200 μg/mL regardless of cell type
and without apoptosis. The acute toxicity of L.hastata’s
roots is practically low since the LD 50 is greater than
2000 mg/kg. However, the results showed a sub-acute
toxicity that manifested itself in deaths and disorders of
the digestive system, particularly of the stomach. Although
mortality of animals were recorded from the first week as
well as inflammation and mutilation of the limbs. Biological
and histological changes in the liver and kidneys were also
observed. The histological changes detected in the liver
were mainly necrotic areas, but also hepatic degeneration,
microangiopathy lesions and neutrophil infiltrate. In
the kidney, minimal tubular vacuolation and glomerular
retraction were observed. The stomach showed only
epithelial scaling. The NOAEL was estimated to be 100 mg/
kg for our study.
Conclusion: Even though medicinal plants are generally
considered to be safe; however, mispractice in its use could
be harmful to health; as effects observed could be attributed
to the action of L. hastata roots’ extracts.