| Abstrakt: |
Objective: Peganum harmalaL. is a plant widely used in the traditional Algerian medicine. The objective of the present study was to assess the safety profile of P. harmalahydromethanolic extract (PhHm). Methods: In the acute toxicity, the animals were divided into six groups, and the extract was administered as different single doses of 70, 200, 300, 500, 800 or 2000 mg/kg Body weight. The general behavior of mice and mortality was continuously monitored every day for 14 days. In the Chronic toxicity the animals were divided into 4 groups, the extract was administered for 90 days. Groups 1, 2 and 3: received the extract with a dose of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg Body weight, respectively. After each month blood samples were taken for biochemical and hematological tests. Results: In the acute toxicity, mortality is dose dependent, where the median lethal dose LD50is estimated at 501.47 mg/kg Body weight. In the chronic toxicity, the extract did not cause any behavioral changes and any mortality. In both studies a significant increase in liver enzymes were observed while urea and creatinine levels decreased in the treated animals. In the repeated oral administration of PhHm extract, an increase in platelet numbers was noted and the histological examination of the liver showed a leukocyte infiltration and a vascular congestion. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be suggested that the PhHm seed extract was moderately toxic in acute administration (LD50= 501.47 mg/kg BW) and the use of this extract for chronic treatment is safe at doses ≤ 100 mg/kg. |
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