Acute and Subacute Toxicity studies of Cyperus Papyrus Ash on Wister Albino Rats

ABSTRACT Introduction: Impaired wound healing is a major concern specially in diabetic patients due to unregulated chronic hyperglycemia which further may lead to ulcer, gangrene, and its complications, therefore the development of natural, nontoxic and effective agent is required. we carried out an acute and subacute oral toxicity study on the Cyperus Papyrus (CP) ash in Wistar albino rats. CP is used “traditionally” in management of painful spasm, eye diseases, ulcers, fever, diarrhea, and inflammations. There was no any toxicological data reflect the safety profile of this plant ash. Methodology: Acute oral toxicity study of the CP ash was evaluated by using a dose of 2000mg/kg BW on rats according to OECD guidelines using (Aot 425 soft-ware program). Sub-acute oral toxicity was carried out on four groups of 6 rats each, at doses of 175mg/kg, 550mg/kg, 1750mg/kg, and 1750mg/kg as recovery group Control groups received water according to (OECD 407 guidelines) for consecutive 28 days. At the end of the experiments i.e., at day 29 all rats were weighed and sacrificed except the rats of recovery group which were continued without ash administration for extra 14 days then weighed and scarified. Then the hematological parameters, plasma biochemical parameters and histopathological examination were carried out. Results: Upon completion of acute toxicity no deaths or signs of acute oral toxicity were observed. Hematologic observations after oral sub-acute toxicity include decrease in HC%, MCV, and LYM%, and slight increase in MCHC but return to the normal range with recovery group. Biochemical tests show mild increase in SCr and AST levels but also return to normal range with recovery group. No any morphological changes of kidney, liver, lung, spleen, heart, or small intestine were observed after histopathological examinations. Conclusion: Dried ash of cyperus papyrus is considered to be safe and non-toxic at acute exposure and LD50% value exceed 2000mg/kg BW, it has mild reversible effect on some hematological and biochemical parameters and has no any morphological changes of vital organ histopathology.