Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Study ofEuphorbia hirtaL. Methanol Extract in Rats

Abstract

DespiteEuphorbia hirtaL. ethnomedicinal benefits, very few studies have described the potential toxicity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate thein vivotoxicity of methanolic extracts ofE. hirta. The acute and subchronic oral toxicity ofE. hirtawas evaluated in Sprague Dawley rats. The extract at a single dose of 5000 mg/kg did not produce treatment related signs of toxicity or mortality in any of the animals tested during the 14-day observation period. Therefore, the LD 50 of this plant was estimated to be more than 5000 mg/kg. In the repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study, the administration of 50 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg/day ofE. hirtaextract per body weight revealed no significant difference (P>0.05) in food and water consumptions, body weight change, haematological and biochemical parameters, relative organ weights, and gross findings compared to the control group. Macropathology and histopathology examinations of all organs including the liver did not reveal morphological alteration. Analyses of these results with the information of signs, behaviour, and health monitoring could lead to the conclusion that the long-term oral administration ofE. hirtaextract for 90 days does not cause sub-chronic toxicity.