Phytochemistry and toxicological assessment of Bryonia dioica roots used in north-African alternative medicine

Abstract

To investigate the phytochemical composition, acute and sub-acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of B. dioica roots. The phytochemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of B.dioica roots was assessed in mice with single doses ranging from 250 to 1000 mg/kg for 14 days. The sub-acute toxicity was carried out with repeated doses ranging from 64.5 to 250 mg/kg for 28 days. Histopathological changes and markers of renal and liver function were investigated. The results of GC-MS analysis showed the presence of interesting phytoconstituents. The clinical symptoms and mortalities that occurred in treated mice were more remarkable due to the increasing sample concentration of the studied extract. However, no mortalities, or histopathological, or biochemical disturbances were observed even at the maximal dose administered (250 mg/kg). The outcome of the present work suggests that the treatment of animals with single doses of B. dioica roots extract higher than 250 mg/kg produces significant toxicities, however, treatment with repeated doses up to 250 mg/kg for 28 days seems to be safe for animals.

Withania frutescens. L Extract: Phytochemical Characterization and Acute and Repeated Dose 28-Day Oral Toxicity Studies in Mice

“…Doses 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg were chosen to be orally administered to treated mice by the time the control group received physiological solution (vehicle) after fasting for 18 h under acute toxicity conditions according to the earlier protocols. Afterward, animals were placed under monitoring for recording immediate clinical symptoms then daily for 14 days [ 20 ].…”

Glycemic Control Potential of Chemically Characterized Extract from Withania frutescens L. Roots in Severe Diabetes-Induced Mice

“…This hypothesis is well confirmed elsewhere [22,23], where it was reported that insulin supply is involved in protein synthesis and proteolysis regulations in the skeletal muscle. During the whole experimental period, diabetic mice treated with the plant extract showed an increase in body weight, which could confirm the protective role of WFRE since bodyweight alteration frequently occurs under toxicity conditions [24]. Table 1 represents changes that occurred in body weight and biochemical parameters of alloxan-induced diabetic mice during the whole period of dosing (28 days).…”

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Analgesic Properties of Chemically Characterized Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Withania adpressa Coss. ex Batt

“…Higher plants synthesize these organic molecules, which, in most instances, are not required for growth and development but are instead formed in reaction to biotic and abiotic environmental conditions [ 4 ]. In plants, secondary metabolites consist of terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which have been scientifically shown to be promising bioactive agents with antioxidant, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antitumor properties [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Depending on the use, plants may be used fresh, dried, or processed into essential oils or crude extracts [ 7 ].…”

“…In plants, secondary metabolites consist of terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which have been scientifically shown to be promising bioactive agents with antioxidant, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antitumor properties [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Depending on the use, plants may be used fresh, dried, or processed into essential oils or crude extracts [ 7 ]. The compounds responsible for particular biological potential in a plant have been examined in many studies [ 8 ].…”