Safety assessment of Chlorophytum alismifolium tuber extract (Liliaceae):Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies in Wistar rats

To explore the toxicological profile of methanol extract of Chlorophytum alismifolium (MECA) tubers in Wistar rats. Methods: MECA was subjected to acute and sub-acute studies which were conducted according to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD 425 and 407 guidelines respectively). In the acute toxicity experiment, a limit test (5000 mg/kg) was administered to five rats and monitored for 2 weeks. The sub-acute studies were conducted on 4 groups of rats. The first group served as control, while the 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups received MECA (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg respectively). The treatments were given orally and daily for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment (29th day), the animals were euthanized to obtain blood samples and organs for haematological, biochemical and histological evaluations. Results: Acute toxicity study showed that the oral median lethal dose was >5000 mg/kg. In the sub-acute studies, the results showed no significant (P>0.05) changes in the haematological, hepatic and renal indices compared to control animals. In the fourth week, a significant (P<0.01) increase in body weight of the rats was observed at 150 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg compared to week one. However, there were no major changes in the organ/body weights of the rats. Histological examination of the kidney showed slight glomerular adhesion and tubular distortion. Moderate hepatic necrosis was observed at 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. Conclusions: The results of this research revealed that the MECA tubers is virtually non-toxic after acute administration and it has low sub-acute toxicity potential in rats.

Antihyperglycaemic activity of ethylacetate extract of Chlorophytum alismifolium in type 2 diabetes:The involvement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γand dipeptidyl peptidase-4

Objective:This research is to investigate the antihyperglycaemic activity and the underlying mechanisms of action of the ethylacetate extract of Chlorophytum alismifolium(EACA)tubers in a type 2 diabetes model.Methods:The tubers were processed and sequentially extracted in hexane followed by ethylacetate,using a Soxhlet apparatus,and subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC–MS).The acute toxicity of EACA was investigated in albino Wistar rats.An antihyperglycaemic study was carried out using high-fat diet(pelletized diet and margarine in the ratio of 10:1 and 20%fructose solution)and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemic Wistar rats.The effects of the extract(150,300 and 600 mg/kg)on blood glucose level,insulin,peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-c(PPAR-c)and dipeptidyl peptidase-4(DPP-4)were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:The oral median lethal dose in Wistar rats was estimated to be>5000 mg/kg.Treatment with EACA at all doses significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose levels,compared to the hyperglycaemic control,and over time.Administration of EACA increased the serum insulin and PPAR-c levels while decreasing DPP-4 levels.GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of 13 compounds,with isothiazole and isoxazolidine covering total area of 24.6%and 22.69%,respectively.Conclusion:The findings from this study showed that EACA has important compounds with beneficial effect in type 2 diabetes and acts by increasing insulin secretion and PPAR-c level and decreasing DPP-4 activity.