Subchronic Oral Toxicity of the Ethanol Extract of Crinum asiaticum L. Leaves in Male Rattus norvegicus: Biochemical and Histopathological Evaluation

Ethanol extract of Crinum asiaticum L. leaves (CAL) has been reported to possess pharmacological activities and to be suitable for development into a standardised herbal medicine. However, its safety profile remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of administering an ethanol extract of CAL leaves at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kgBW on liver, heart, and kidney functions in male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). The test was conducted by repeated oral administration of the ethanol extract over 60 days. The parameters observed included blood biochemistry using a Mindray® BA-88A photometer, gross examination of the heart, and histopathological examination of the liver, heart, and kidney. The conclusion of this study is that repeated oral administration of the ethanol extract of Crinum asiaticum leaves for 60 days did not produce marked alterations in several routine biochemical parameters at the lower doses (200 and 400 mg/kgBW). However, dose-related microscopic and macroscopic changes were observed, particularly at 800 mg/kgBW, and early signs of organ alteration were also noted at intermediate dose levels. Therefore, the extract may be considered to show limited tolerability at lower doses under the present experimental conditions, whereas higher doses indicate potential toxicity to the liver, heart, and kidneys.