Safety assessment of Morus nigra L. leaves: Acute and subacute oral toxicity studies in Wistar rats

Publication date: 5 October 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 224
Author(s): Kassia Caroline Figueredo, Camille Gaube Guex, Fernanda Ziegler Reginato, Andreia Regina Haas da Silva, Gabriela Buzatti Cassanego, Cibele Lima Lhamas, Aline Augusti Boligon, Gilberti Helena Hübscher Lopes, Liliane de Freitas Bauermann
Ethnopharmacological relevanceMorus nigra L. is a plant native to Asia, and well adapted to the Brazilian climate. It is popularly known as "amoreira preta", and is part of the National List of Plants of Interest to the Brazilian Unified Health System. It is used in folk medicine mainly to soften the effects of menopause, as anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antihypertensive. However, information on safe doses and use is still precarious.Aim of the studyTo identify the chemical composition of the ethanolic extract of Morus nigra L. leaves (EEMN), as well as perform a toxicological study in male and female rats.Materials and methodsThe chemical composition of the extract was performed by HPLC/DAD. In the acute study, the dose administered was 2000 mg/kg, and signs of toxicity and mortality was observed. In the sub-acute study, the extract was administered at doses of 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg for 28 days. Behavioral changes, object recognition test, renal and hepatic tissue assessments, biochemical and hematological parameters were determined. The extract was administered orally to male and female rats in both studies.ResultsQuercetin and caffeic acid showed as major compounds in the extract. In the acute treatment, the extract was classified as safe (category 5), according to the protocol. In the subacute study, there was a decrease in AST in males (750 and 1000 mg/kg) and females (1000 mg/kg), reduction of total cholesterol in females (750 and 1000 mg/kg), and increase in renal and hepatic change the LPO levels.ConclusionThe present investigation showed that EEMN did not present significant toxic effects when administered orally. Moreover, presented a potentially protective action of organs and possesses hypocholesterolemic activity, thus, it is shown as a promising natural source to be used in pharmacology.

Graphical abstract

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