Toxicological evaluation of different solvent fractions of Waltheria indica linn. root in male wistar rats

Abstract

Waltheria indica Linn. root (WILR) is a multipurpose medicinal plant with abundance of phytochemical compounds. The optimal solvents for extraction of a particular bioactive compound depends not only on the yield of the compound but also on the toxic effect of the solvent used. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the toxic effects of hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate solvent fractions of WILR in male Wistar rats. Three doses (200, 500, or 1000 μg/kg BW) of hexane, dichlorometh ane and ethyl acetate solvent fractions of WILR were used. Male Wistar rats (n=5) were administered with 200, 500, or 1000 μg/kg of hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate soluble extracts of WILR, while control received distilled water, daily for 15 days. The rats were thereafter sacrificed, blood samples were collected and serum separated. Haematological serum biochemical parameters were determined according to standard procedure. The result showed non-significant effect on relative organ weight and haematological parameters while the serum ALT was significantly increased by administration of hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate soluble extracts of WILR. Blood Urea Nitrogen was also increased significantly (p < 0.05) at 200 and 500 μg/kg of hexane and dichloromethane respectively. The ethyl acetate and hexane fraction also caused severe periportal cellular infiltration in the liver while the hexane fraction caused glomerular necrosis. The hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate soluble extracts of (WILR) have adverse effect on the integrity liver and kidney. Hence, these extracts should be used with caution in patient with hepatic and renal impairment.