Toxicological Assessment of Solanum Erianthum Extracts in Albino Rats: Haematological, biochemical and histopathological findings

Background: Solanum erianthum leaves extract has been used to treat sexually-transmitted diseases, malaria, and leprosy. This study assessed the toxicity and safety of S. erianthum extract in rats. Methods: Treatment with 250, 500 or 750 mg/kg of the aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic extracts in the rats had different effects on the biochemical activities of the liver, heart and kidneys, and based on the hematological and histopathological changes observed after short-term (30 days) and long-term (60 days) exposure. Results: The serum biochemical parameters examined were AST, ALT, and ALP concentrations in the albino rats treated with the extracts of S. Erianthum at various concentrations. The extract showed significantly different effects in the treated versus untreated rats (P<0.05). The ALT level significantly decreased after the administration of 250, 500, or 750 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of S. Erianthum. There were significant differences in the hematological profile of the rats for all doses of the methanolic extracts (P<0.05). Histopathological examinations detected Kupffer cells activation in the liver, otherwise normal histology of the kidneys with respect to the glomeruli and tubules. Also, mild coronary vascular congestion was detected in the animals’ heart. Conclusions: The S. erianthum extracts were safe and without exerting toxic effect on the rat’s heart or kidneys, as demonstrated for the doses up to 750 mg/kg given over 30 or 60 days. However, the congestion in the rats’ spleens could be a cause for concern if the extract were to be used in humans for long-term.