Safety and analgesic properties of ethanolic extracts of <i>Toddalia asiatica</i> (L) Lam. (<i>rutaceae</i>) used for central and peripheral pain management among the east african ethnic communities

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough herbs are often perceived as “natural” and therefore safe, many different side effects have been reported. Additionally, there is limited scientific evidence to establish the safety and efficacy of most herbal products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical and haematological effects of Toddaliaasiatica (L) Lam. (Rutaceae) (T. asiatica (L.) in albino Wistar rats.Materials and methodsThe phytochemicals present in the plant were determined. The analgesic activity was determined using the hot plate technique. The whole blood with anticoagulant was used for assay of the haematological parameters using the COULTERAc•T5diff AL Hematology Analyzer (Fullerton, CA, USA). The biochemical parameters determined with HumaLyzer 2000, a semi-automatic, microprocessor-controlled photometer fromchem-labs, Nairobi.ResultsThe effect of extract on serum biochemical parameters after 14 days treatment with the crude ethanolic extract of T. asiatica (L.) revealed significant difference in the Cholesterol (P = 0.041), alanine transaminase (P = 0.007), gamma-glutamyl transferase (P = 0.045). There was no significance in the alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST) levels compared to the untreated controls. Peripheral blood films (PBFs) of the treated animals were performed and stained with leishman's stain. Major morphological changes were observed including anisocytosis, burr cells, anisochromia, hypochromia and reactive lymphocytes among others.ConclusionThe crude extract of T. asiatica (L.) showed better analgesic effect (28.2±13.16) than Acetylsalicylate used as control (4±0.31). The potential of T. asiatica (L.) asananalgesic was remarkable. However, the crude extract of T. asiatica (L.) induced nephrotoxicity and liver enzymes modulation and elevated total cholesterol in the test organisms compared to the untreated negative controls.

Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in HT-29 Cells Induced by Dichloromethane Fraction From Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam.

“…(Rutaceae) (TA) has been widely used as traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of various diseases in China ( Yang et al, 2013 ; Tong et al, 2014 ). Modern pharmacologic researches have confirmed that TA extracts have multiple biological activities, including anti-arthritis ( Yang et al, 2013 ), anti-inflammatory ( Hao et al, 2004 ; Balasubramaniam et al, 2011 ; Kariuki et al, 2013 ; Tong et al, 2014 ), anti-microbial ( Narod et al, 2004 ; Duraipandiyan and Ignacimuthu, 2009 ; Karunai Raj et al, 2012 ), anti-parasitic ( Shan et al, 2014 ), anti-oxidant ( Balasubramaniam et al, 2011 ; Irudayaraj et al, 2012 ; Stephen Irudayaraj et al, 2012 ; Ceballos et al, 2013 ), anti-platelet ( Tsai et al, 1998 ), anti-malarial ( Gakunju et al, 1995 ; Oketch-Rabah et al, 2000 ), anti-diabetic ( Irudayaraj et al, 2012 ), anti-tumor ( Iwasaki et al, 2006 ), and analgesic ( Hao et al, 2004 ; Kimang’a et al, 2016 ). TA extracts are mainly composed of coumarins, alkaloids, benzenoids, and their derivatives ( Hu et al, 2014 ).…”

Molecular docking analysis and anti-hyperglycaemic activity of Synacinn™ in streptozotocin-induced rats

“…High doses of plant extracts can be metabolized into toxic end products, which may affect gastric function and reduce food conversion efficiency. 43,44 In the 14 day repeated oral dose toxicity study, Synacinn™ did not affect the intake of food and water, even at the highest dose (2000 mg kg À1 ), particularly during the administration period. Food and water were suitably accepted by the rats treated at all doses of Synacinn™, suggesting that this polyherbal formulation may not cause any alterations to protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolisms.…”

Toddalia aculeata: A comprehensive review of its Phytochemistry, pharmacology and its traditional use

“…The plant roots contain coumarins that have antiplasmodial activity. Toddalia aculeata is used as a pain killer [5]. Till the date several bio-chemicals have been isolated from roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds of this plant and its associating species (Table 1).…”