An acute and sub-acute toxicological assessment of Reissantia indica plant extract in male Sprague-Dawley rats: Hematological, serum biochemical and histopathology

The traditional use of medicinal plants in Sub-Saharan health management lacks thorough toxicological evaluations, particularly concerning lethal dose levels. This study aims to assess the acute and sub-acute toxicity of Reissantia indica whole-plant extract (RIE) in male Sprague-Dawley rats, with a focal point on delineating its safety profile while exploring potential therapeutic applications. RIE, obtained through precise cold maceration in 70 % ethanol, underwent rigorous analysis, revealing diverse secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides. Renowned for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, these compounds enhance RIE's pharmacological potential. In the acute toxicity study, RIE was orally administered at 500 and 5000 mg/kg. Sub-acute toxicity involved oral administration of the extract at various doses (5, 50 and 500 mg/kg) over 28 days, with comprehensive assessments, including hematological, biochemical, and histopathological evaluations. Results from the acute toxicity showed no mortality, suggesting a median lethal dose (LD50) exceeding 5000 mg/kg and indicating a substantial margin of safety. Sub-acute toxicity investigations, spanning 28 days revealed no significant changes in body and organ weights, hematological and biochemical parameters, or histopathological signs compared to the control group. Histological examination of kidney, liver, heart, and lung sections from treated animals showed no signs of degeneration. This study, to our knowledge, pioneers a comprehensive investigation into the toxicity profile of Reissantia indica's whole-plant ethanolic extract, addressing a significant gap in existing literature on medicinal plant safety in the Sub-Saharan region.