Effects of Methanol Extracts of Caesalpinia Bonducella and Bauhinia Racemosa on Hematology and Hepatorenal Function in Mice

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation deals with the hematology and hepatorenal function of Caesalpinia bonducella Flem. and Bauhinia racemosa Lam. belonging to the Family: Caesalpiniaceae, and used in the traditional system of medicine. The tribal people of Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu, India, use the leaves of Caesalpinia bonducella and the stem bark of Bauhinia racemosa in combination with some other herbs for the treatment of various tumors, liver disorders, inflammation and some other diseases. In ancient Ayurveda medicine these plants were mentioned to possess antitumor agents. Since there are no scientific reports regarding the toxicological aspects of these plants, the present investigation deals with the sub-chronic toxicity studies of a methanol extract of Caesalpinia bonducella (MECB) leaves and Bauhinia racemosa (MEBR) stem bark in Swiss albino mice. The MECB and MEBR were administered intraperitoneally (i.p) to Swiss albino mice twice a week for thirteen weeks. No significant alterations in hematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters were observed in the MECB- and MEBR-treated groups at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. Administration of MECB and MEBR at the dose of 400 mg/kg body weight elevated the levels of serum enzymes and altered the hematological parameters. Our results suggested that MECB and MEBR at doses 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight did not induce any toxic effects in the mice. Adverse effect was noted at the dose of 400 mg/kg body weight.

Evaluation of the toxicological profile of the leaves and young twigs of <i>Caesalpinia bonduc</i> (linn) roxb

“…This is in agreement with other published works (Kumar et al, 2005;Sagar and Vidyasagar, 2010). However, higher extract treatment doses of 400 to 1600 mg/kg bwt were toxic to the experimental animals as there were significant increases in relative organ weights (Table VI) as well as in the activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (Table VII), and in the concentrations of plasma total bilirubin, plasma indirect bilirubin, plasma uric acid, plasma urea, plasma triglyceride and plasma cholesterol (Tables VII, VIII Feron et al (1973) reported that in sub-acute toxicity experiments, the relative organ weight is a useful index of toxicity.…”

“…The liver, being the detoxification organ of mammals, and the kidney, being the most important excretory organ in the body, might be susceptible to the toxic effects of extracts of C. bonduc at higher doses. This is supported by the report of Kumar et al (2005), who reported the associated toxicity of anticancer agents and plants rich in flavonoids on the liver and kidney.…”

“…It has been reported that the synthesis of plasma proteins in the liver was quantitatively and qualitatively affected during liver damage (Kumar et al, 2005). The decrease in plasma albumin and in the total plasma protein indicated hepatocellular dysfunction or liver disease (Kumar et al, 2005).…”

“…Recently, Jäger and Saaby (2011) reported the anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, memory inducer and relaxing enhancer of C. bonduc. The phytochemical analysis of the plant shows that it contains saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, diterpenoids, tannins and steroids (Kumar et al, 2005).…”

Toxicological evaluation of methanol leaves extract of <i>Vernonia bipontini</i> Vatke in blood, liver and kidney tissues of mice

“…In turn, this may lead to low growth, notably reduced mean body weight. Kumar 28 also reported that weight of mice treated with methanol leaf extract of Caesalpinia bonducella and Bauhinia racemosa decreased significantly as a reflection of low growth.…”