Safety evaluation of Sapindus laurifolius leaf extract in Wistar rats

Objectives:The present work was aimed to study the phytochemical composition of the Sapindus laurifolius leaves and toxicological effect of the Sapindus laurifolius leaf extract in a systematic way using Wistar albino rats as a model animal. Materials and Methods :The identification of phytoconstituents present in the leaf extract was performed using High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). In toxicity studies, the acute oral toxicity study was conducted as per the guidelines of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD 423 Acute Toxic Class Method) for testing of chemicals. In repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study (OECD 407), methanolic leaf extract administered at the dose of 50, 200 and 800 mg/kg BW and limit dose of 1000 mg/kg BW. Results: Saponins, flavanoids, glycosides and bitter principles were the major phytoconstituents identified. In acute toxicity study, the LD cut-off values were found to be more than 2g/kg in leaf extract. In repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity, significant 50 (P<0.05) increase in AST, ALT, BUN and creatinine, significant (P<0.05) increase in total protein was noticed. The histopathological changes confined to liver, kidney and intestine, revealed mild to moderate hepatotoxicity, severe nephrotoxicity and increased goblet cell activity. The changes were found to correlate with increased dose of leaf extract. Conclusion:The phytochemical analysis of Sapindus laurifolius revealed the presence of saponins, glycosides, flavonoids and bitter principles.The acute oral toxicity study of S. laurifolius methanolic leaf extract in rats resulted in no toxicity even at the highest dose, but in repeated 28-day oral toxicity study revealed mild to moderate hepatotoxicity, severe nephrotoxicity and intestinal damage.