Toxicity Studies on Anti-fungal Essential Oils Extracted from Selected Aromatic Plants from Mabira and Kakamega Forests, East Africa
Journal Title: European Journal of Medicinal Plants - Year 2016, Vol 14, Issue 2
Abstract
Aim: In a bid to explore for grain bio-preservatives, essential oils extracted from Cymbopogon citratus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Monanthataxis littoralis and Aframomum angustifolium, that were earlier established to have anti-mold activity, were evaluated for their biosafety by determining the oral LD50. Methods: The essential oils were extracted by hydro-distillation from aromatic plants collected from Kakamega and Mabira forests in Kenya and Uganda, respectively. Acute oral toxicity was established using mice by determining the LD50; after which sub-acute toxicity studies were performed. The animals were observed for behavioural changes; and the gross and histopathological effects, if any, on the intestinal mucosa, spleen, lungs, liver, kidney and heart were noted. Results: The oral LD50 for Cymbopogon citratus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Monanthataxis littoralis and Aframomum angustifolium essential oils were established as 7,046.90; 4,723.33; 13,335.82; and 17,539.82 (mg/kg body weight), respectively. In all cases, increased breathing rates were observed, however Rosemary also caused lethargy and convulsions. Grossly, no changes were seen in the liver, kidney, lungs, heart and spleen from both the control and the treated mice except for Monanthataxis littoralis where the lungs and liver seemed changed; and the urinary bladder distended. However, the latter effects were noted at higher doses than the established oral LD50. Histopathologically, thickened intestinal mucosa lining; tubular degeneration and proteinuria in the kidneys; vascular congestion, focal necrosis and hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes in the liver, were encountered. Conclusion: Basing on the oral LD50 in mice, all oils were safe and can be explored further as anti-mold grain preservatives. However, Rosmarinus officinalis was marginally safe as per the OECD guidelines. The histopathological effects of Monanthataxis littoralis essential oil need to be investigated further.
Authors and Affiliations
Jesca Lukanga Nakavuma, Josphat Clement Matasyoh, Isabel Nyokabi Wagara, John Kalema, Lordrick Alinaitwe
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP349723
- DOI 10.9734/EJMP/2016/25185
- Views 96
- Downloads 0
Evaluation of the Anticonvulsant Potential of Aqueous Fraction of Synsepalum dulcificum Seed Extract in Mice
Aim: This study evaluated the anticonvulsant potential of the aqueous fraction of Synsepalum ducificum seed extract in mice. This was with a view to providing information on the possible link between the antioxidant prin...
Conservation of an Endangered Medicinal Forest Tree Oroxylum indicum (L) Kurz through in-vitro Micropropagation-A Review
The species Oroxylum indicum (L) Kurz (Bignoniaceae) is an important medicinal tree being rich in secondary metabolites, employed in various traditional medicinal systems from folk to modern medicine. All the plant parts...
Anti-ulcerogenic Activity of Aqueous Extract of Unripe Fruit of Musa sapientum Linn in Combination with Vitamin C on Ulcer Induced Models in Experimental Rats
Aims: To evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of unripe fruit of Musa sapientum Linn in combination with Vitamin C on aspirin and ethanol induced ulcer models in Wistar rats. Study Design: Anti-ulcer study. Place and...
The Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Ferulago angulata on Liver Function Parameters and Antioxidant Status in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of Ferulago angulata Extract (FAE) in experimental diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: 54 adult male Wistar rats divided into 6...
Anti-diabetic Effect of Anthocleista vogelii Ethanolic Root Extract and Fractions in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Albino Rats
Aims: To investigate the anti-diabetic effect of Anthocleista vogelii root ethanolic extract (EE) and fractions (ethyl acetate [EF], dichloromethane [DF] and n-hexane [HF] fractions) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabe...