Essential oil of Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L.: Acute and subchronic toxicity studies

Abstract

Context: The essential oil of the Ageratum conyzoides (100 mg/kg BW) previously demonstrated anti-neuropathic pain activity with various mechanisms of action. However, the safety data of this essential oil is unknown. Aims: To evaluate the acute and subchronic toxicity profile of the A. conyzoides essential oil. Methods: The acute toxicity study was conducted in both genders of Swiss Webster mice and monitored for 14 days of general behavior, LD50, organ-body weight ratio, and histopathology with sequence dose 1200, 1600, 2000, 2400 mg/kg BW. To determine the subchronic toxicity, 100 mg/kg BW was administered daily for 28 days in both genders of rats. The parameters that were determined include general behavior, body weight, organ-body weight ratio, biochemical and hematological. Results: The acute oral toxicity test unveiled the respective LD50 values of 1247.88 mg/kg BW and 1674.57 mg/kg in female and male mice, respectively. The subchronic toxicity test did not result in any death in all groups. The only toxic sign observed was retching and disappearing in about five minutes. However, most of the abnormalities were found in male rats. These were lower kidney weight, increased creatinine, lower hemoglobin, erythrocyte, and hematocrit. Conclusions: The essential oil of A. conyzoides at 100 mg/kg is considered unsafe due to concerns about its effects on the kidney and several hematologic parameters, and warrants attention in its future use.