Abstract
Background: Heracleum species are commonly used as spices, flavorings, and food additives. Members of the genus Heracleum offer many medicinal benefits but may also pose adverse effects on human health. Objectives: To prepare a crude leaf extract of Heracleumlasiopetalum and assess its toxicity profile towards healthy rats. Methods: The H. lasiopetalum leaf extract was prepared using pure methanol and ethyl acetate (1:10) at room temperature over a period of 72 hours. After filtration, the crude extract was obtained using a rotary evaporator at 40 - 45°C. Subsequently, various doses of the H. lasiopetalum extract were administered orally to healthy Sprague Dawley rats at three doses (300, 600, and 900 mg/kg body weight) for four weeks to test for toxicity. Blood samples were examined for hematologic and biochemical changes, while the liver, kidneys, and heart were examined for histopathological changes. Results: The toxicity study revealed no mortality at low and medium doses, as well as no clinical toxicity indicators. Additionally, there were no significant alterations observed in the haematological, biochemical, and histopathological profiles of the treated animals throughout the 28-day experiment. However, at high doses, the mortality rate was significantly elevated, accompanied by notable histopathological changes. Conclusions: Continuous administration of high doses of H. lasiopetaum may induce potential toxic effects in the treated animals.