Subacute Toxicity Effects of Physalis Angulata Leaf Extract on Kidneys and Liver of Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Leaves from Physalis angulata L. plant have been used as a source of traditional herbal medicine. However, toxicity studies on the P. angulata leaf (PAL) extract are limited. This study aimed to determine the subacute toxicity of the PAL extract on renal and liver functions and the associated histopathology. Methods: The PAL material was prepared by maceration, and the total flavonoid content of the ethanolic extract was determined, using spectrophotometry. Twenty female Wistar rats were divided into four groups of five each. The control group was untreated, but the other three groups received the PAL extract at 100, 500, or 1000 mg/kg, body weight. The subacute toxicity testing was performed over 28 days, and the toxicity symptoms were recorded daily. Results: The PAL extract contained a total flavonoid content of 22.47 mg/g quercetin. At 500 or 1000 mg/kg, the extract caused significant diarrhea in rats. There were no significant differences in the relative organ weights, or the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, urea, and creatinine. There was no significant damage in the kidneys and liver, but mild histological changes were evident in rats treated with 1000 mg/kg of the extract. Conclusion: The PAL extract did not cause renal or liver dysfunction in rats following 28 days of exposure. However, since diarrhea and mild histological alterations occurred in the liver and kidneys, precautions should be exercised when using the P. angulata extract at high doses in humans, especially over long periods.

Keywords

• histological alterations
• kidneys
• liver
• physalis angulata leaves extract
• subacute toxicity