Acute and Subacute Toxicity Assessment of Ethanolic Extract of Rosmarinus officinalis in Female Wistar Rats

Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), an aromatic plant rich in phenolic antioxidant compounds, is widely used in traditional therapy by Moroccan population. The study aims to evaluate the acute and subacute oral toxicity of ethanolic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (EERO) in female Wistar rats. In the acute toxicity study, 30 rats were divided into 5 groups (control, 1000, 2500, 3500, and 5000 mg/kg dose). Similarly, in the subacute toxicity study, 30 rats were divided into 5 groups (control, 200, 300, 500 and 1000mg/kg dose). The sub-acute toxicity study aimed to identify the LD50, through following the same signs of toxicity, haematological parameters, biochemical parameters, markers of oxidative stress, and histological analyses were evaluated. The results showed that no significant differences were observed in acute and sub-acute toxicity parameters (body weight gain, food and water intake), nor acute toxicity was any mortality observed, suggesting that the LD50 is greater than 5000 mg/kg. The sub-acute toxicity study showed no significant differences in haematological, biochemical, and histological parameters, while the extract increased CAT levels and decreased NO in the liver and kidney. The RO extract is non-toxic up to the doses tested and exerts antioxidant activity, manifested by a nitric oxide level decrease and antioxidant enzyme catalase level increase in the liver and kidneys.