EVALUATION OF SAFETY PROFILE OF ALPINIA OFFICINARUM AND HYMENOCRATER SESSILIFOLIUS BY ACUTE TOXICITY STUDY IN ALBINO RATS

Abstract

Background: Hymenocrater sessilifolius and Alpinia officinarum extracts have known for their

folkloric uses but no potential toxicity has been described yet. This project was aimed to find the safe

dose range and biological response of both extracts in rats by analyzing hematological parameters,

liver and renal function tests and histopathological study.

Material and Methods: Hymenocrater sessilifolius and Alpinia officinarum extracts were

administered to albino rats orally. The sighting study was carried out with following doses of plant

extract 5, 50, 300 and 2000 (mg/kg) of body weight. Furthermore, the highest dose, 2000 mg/kg body

weight was selected for the main test of the acute oral toxicity experiment. Three groups (control

group and two plants treated group) each having 5 rats were studied. After administration of (2000

mg/kg) to the rats, general behavior, untoward action, and death rates were checked 2 weeks. Blood

was collected for hematological, liver and renal function tests and histological necroscopy after

sacrificing the plants treated and the control group of rats. Data was statistically analyzed by Graph

Pad Prism using one-way ANOVA, and for comparison Bonferroni was employed.

Results: Results showed no significant alterations in hematological, liver and renal function tests

when compared against the control group. The vital organs did not reveal any gross and histological

necroscopy.

Conclusions: Hymenocrater sessilifolius extract and Alpinia officinarum extract did not show any

toxicological effects. However, sub-acute and chronic toxicity studies will provide the complete

profiles of their safety.