Effects of Acute and Sub-acute Oral Toxicity Studies of Ethanol Extract of Tanacetum parthenium (L) Sch. Bip. Aerial Parts in Mice and Rats

Aims: Many herbal products could have serious side effects. This study aim is to evaluate the in vivo acute and sub-acute oral toxicity of ethanol extract of Tanacetum parthenium (L) Sch. Bip. in mice and rats.

Study Design: In acute study: a total of 10 female Balb/c mice (20-25 g) were divided into 2 groups (n=5) namely control and tested group which received ethanol extract of T. parthenium orally at dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight for 14 days via oral gavage meanwhile in sub-acute study a total of 30 female albino rats (140-160 g) were divided into 3 groups (n=10) namely control and tested groups which received an oral dose of ethanol extract of T. parthenium at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg of body weight respectively for 28 days via oral gavage.

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Nacional San Cristobal de Huamanga, Ayacucho, Peru.

Methodology: Phytochemical screening was assessed by using chemical reactives. The oral acute toxicity was developed in rats and mice, according to the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. Blood samples were collected at the end of experiment for evaluation of haematology and serum biochemistry. In addition, liver was collected for histopathological examination. The toxicity of the extract was evaluated by observing and evaluating the changes of haematology, serum biochemistry parameters and also histopathological changes of liver.

Results: Phytochemical study confirmed flavonoids, phenolic compounds, triterpenes and steroid, alkaloids and saponins in ethanol extract of T. parthenium. In both acute and sub-acute oral toxicity studies, there was no mortality as a sign of toxicity observed during the period of experiment. Haematology and serum biochemistry parameters did not show any significant changes compared with control group. Similarly, histopathological examination of liver revealed steatosis and inflammatory cells in liver.

Conclusion: Results indicated that the oral administration of T. parthenium at various doses had toxic effects on the liver tissues in the sub-acute toxicity study.