Subchronic and acute preclinic toxicity and some pharmacological effects of the water extract from leaves of Petiveria alliacea (Phytolaccaceae)

Abstract

We tested the effects of the aqueous extract of Petiveria alliacea leaves on acute and sub-chronic toxicity, hematocrit and blood glucose level and intestinal motility of male albino NGP mice of 20 to 25 g mean weight. Treatments were in all cases doses of 1 000 and 2 000 mg/kg animal weight and a control treatment with 0.5 ml distilled water, using 10 animals per treatment and administered orally every day (5 days per week). Experimental periods were 18 and 70 days for acute and sub chronic toxicity, respectively. No mortality nor any toxicity signs could be observed. A slight but significant increase in the glucose levels during the first three weeks was observed with the 1 000 mg/kg dose but not for the higher 2 000 mg/kg dose. After administering the doses once after a starving period of six hours, no significant differences in intestinal motility could be found.

Evaluation of the Hypoglycaemic Activity of Petiveria alliacea (Guinea Hen Weed) Extracts in Normoglycaemic and Diabetic Rat Models

“…It is important, however, to highlight that the contrasting glycaemic outcomes from our study versus that of Lores and Cires Pujol (14) may arise because of differences in sample preparation and conditions. The aqueous extract at 400 mg/kg caused a significant ele-vation of FBG (p ≤ 0.01); this effect was similar to a study by García-González et al (9). The study reported a hyperglycaemic effect of P alliacea in mice.…”

“…The study reported a hyperglycaemic effect of P alliacea in mice. The results from García-González et al (9) and our work suggest that the aqueous extract of P alliacea has a hyperglycaemic profile in normoglycaemic mice and rats. A high sugar content of the extract at higher doses could explain the hyperglycaemia observed, however, further chemical analysis is required to confirm this.…”

“…Petiveria alliacea, commonly known as guinea hen weed or anamu, is a perennial shrub which grows wildly in the South and Central American tropics, Africa and the Caribbean (9). It belongs to the family Phytolaccaceae and is used in ethnotraditional medicine in Cuba and Jamaica for purported hypoglycaemic properties in diabetes.…”

“…The usefulness of P alliacea as a hypoglycaemic agent has not been widely studied and earlier investigations present conflicting glycaemic activity (9,14). Further experimental studies are required to finally establish its usefulness as a traditional anti-diabetic remedy.…”

Analysis of Fetal and Placental Development in Rats after Administration of Hydroalcoholic Extract from the Root of Petiveria alliacea L. (Phytolaccaceae)

“…In several regions of the world is popularly used as antispasms, diuretic and diaphoretic, being used as a weak infusion of the leaves or roots against hydropsy, arthritis, rheumatism, malaria, poor memory and to induce abortion (Mors et al, 2000). It also presents antinociceptive action (Gomes et al, 2005), and analgesic anti inflammatory (Lopes-Martins et al, 2002) and hypoglycemic (García-Gonzalez et al, 2006).…”