Subchronic toxicity of Sideritis scardica, Lamiaceae on male Wistar rats

Abstract

Introduction: Sideritis scardica, Lamiaceae, is a plant with anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, digestive, and antimicrobial properties that is widely used in folk medicine throughout the Balkan Peninsula. The name derives from the Greek word ‘sideros’, meaning iron, and it is believed that the plant was also used by soldiers to heal wounds caused by cutting weapons. Aim: The study aimed to assess the subchronic toxicity of a dry hydromethanolic extract from Sideritis scardica, Lamiaceae. Materials and methods: To investigate the subchronic toxicity, male Wistar rats were given orally a solution of dry hydromethanolic extract daily for 12-weeks at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg bw. Blood and blood serum were collected at the end of the experiment, and different organs were prepared for histopathological examination. Statistical analysis was performed with One-Way ANOVA test, using IBM SPSS 19.0. Results: All hematological and biochemical results remained within the normal reference ranges described for the species. The histological examination showed no abnormalities in the morphology of the examined organs (brain, stomach, liver, and kidney). Conclusions: The study contributes to a better understanding of the possible pharmacological effects, while documenting the absence of toxicity and safe use of the herb for future new indications.