Evaluation of acute and subacute toxicity of Argyreia acuta Lour. leaf extract in mice
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Abstract
This study evaluated the acute and subacute oral toxicity of Argyreia acuta Lour. leaf ethanol extract (EEAC) in Swiss albino mice at different doses. In the acute study (14 days), the highest dose (5000 mg/kg) increased relative liver (4.25% vs. 3.83% in controls), heart (0.88% vs. 0.44%), and kidney weights (1.66% vs. 1.13%; p < 0.05), and was accompanied by a temporary reduction in food (6.58 ± 0.05 g) and water intake (5.59 ± 0.04 mL). In the subacute study (28 days), EEAC at 500 mg/kg produced similar dose-related trends and increased RBC (9.36 × 106 vs. 8.63 × 106 cells/mm3), WBC (4.06 × 103 vs. 3.35 × 103 cells/mm3), and total protein (7.12 vs. 6.49 g/dL; p < 0.05). While liver function remained stable and renal changes were mild and reversible, urinary indices suggested metabolic adaptation. Histopathology showed no severe toxicity. Notably, parameters in satellite groups returned to control ranges by day 42 (acute) and day 56 (subacute). Overall, high-dose EEAC induced transient physiological changes without evidence of long-term toxicity under the tested conditions.
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