Phytotherapy in diabetes: Review on potential mechanistic perspectives

Diabetes mellitus(DM) is a widely spread epidemic dis ease that results from the absence of insulin, decreased secretion and/or impaired function. Since DM is a multi factorial disease, the available pharmaceuticals, despite their sensible treatment, target mostly one pathway to control hyperglycemia and encounter several side effects. Therefore, new therapeutic paradigms aim to hit several pathways using only one agent. Tradition ally, antidiabetic plants and/or their active constituents may fulfill this need. More than 200 species of plants possess antidiabetic properties which were evaluated mostly by screening tests without digging far for the exact mode of action. Searching among the differen literature resources and various database and in view o the above aspects, the present article provides a com prehensive review on the available antidiabetic plants that have been approved by pharmacological and clini cal evaluations, and which their mechanism(s) of ac tion is assured. These plants are categorized according to their proved mode of action and are classified into those that act by inhibiting glucose absorption from in testine, increasing insulin secretion from the pancreasinhibiting glucose production from hepatocytes, or enhancing glucose uptake by adipose and muscle tissues. The current review also highlights those that mimic in their action the new peptide analogs, such as exenatide, liraglutide and dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibitors that increase glucagon-like peptide-1 serum concentration and slow down the gastric emptying.

The use of antimuscarinics,phosphodiesterase type Ⅴ inhibitors and phytotherapy for lower urinary tract symptoms in men

Besides the mainstay of α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors,other forms of medical therapy complete the armamentarium in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms(LUTS)in men.These treatments can target specific symptoms as well as associated symptoms that would affect the quality of life of the patients.Many patients are bothered by storage symptoms,more so than the voiding symptoms.Antimuscarinics are efficacious and safe,provided the patients do not have high post void residual urine.Many patients with LUTS also have erectile dysfunction,and phosphodiesterase type Ⅴ inhibitors are effective in relieving both LUTS as well as erectile dysfunction for such patients.Phytotherapy provides a popular and safe treatment for LUTS,however,the efficacy of the treatment has not been proven in well conducted prospective randomized controlled studies.

Applicability, Feasibility and Efficacy of Phytotherapy in Aquatic Animal Health Management

The use of chemotherapeutants, antibiotics, and pesticides in aqua farms and non-adherence to scientific management practices have resulted in adverse impact on aquacultural production, serious outbreaks of diseases, development of drug resistance in microbes, and accumulation of antibiotics and pesticide residues in finfish and shellfish and environmental pollution. As a result, a need has been felt by the aquaculturists as well as aquatic animal health management professionals to find a suitable alternative therapy in place of antibiotics and chemotherapy. Phytotherapy has come to be recognized as a handy and viable alternative to chemotherapy, as it is economical, effective, non-resistance forming, renewable, eco-friendly and farmer-friendly. Although the use of medicinal plants is known to humanity since the dawn of human civilization for the treatment and control of human and animal diseases but its importance in combating finfish and shellfish diseases has been realized only recently. The phytotherapy of aquacultural diseases is in its infancy in most part of the world except in China to some extent. However, many important contributions in this field by different workers during the last quarter of the 20th century and early 21st century have shown encouraging results and opened new vistas in phytotherapy of aquatic animals. The present review crtically evaluates the present status of knowledge of phytotherapy in the world combating various aquacultural diseases, identifying the bottlenecks and suggests remedial measures.

Immunostimulator Api-phytotherapy for the Treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection and Chronic Bronchitis

Throughout history, respiratory tract infections due to viruses, especially influenza viruses, continue to cause serious diseases, up to death, all over the world, as a result of the inability to develop effective treatment methods or vaccines. Due to changes in the antigenic structures of respiratory viruses, especially RNA viruses, there are difficulties in the production of effective vaccines. The World Health Organization estimates 150,000 hospitalizations and 30,000 to 40,000 deaths due to the flu epidemic in the United States alone, with a total of 25 to 50 million cases each year. Respiratory viruses are a major cause of influenza-like illness symptoms in children and adults, causing significant illness and death each year. Various herbal remedies have been used for the prevention and treatment of viral respiratory diseases in many parts of the world. Among those found to be effective are propolis, licorice root, ginger, black cumin, carob, but there is also scientific evidence for the effectiveness of several complementary treatments for the common cold. For example, oral zinc intake can reduce the severity of the common cold. Regular intake of vitamin C supplements can reduce the duration and severity of viral infections. Various herbs are widely used as medicine to clear viral respiratory infections. Influenza control and treatment mainly depend on chemical or biochemical agents isolated from plants. These agents include various polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, glucosides, and alkaloids. We added such plants, propolis, and licorice honey to the content of bronxbal paste, which is a combination of supportive therapy, bronchial dilator, immunomodulator, mucolytic, and born antiviral and antibacterial effects during coronavirus and other bacterial-virus-caused pneumonia. We prepared it as a paste and used it in patients who do not have allergies. The plant and bee products in the bronxbal content we have prepared are natural pastes to solve problems that need ongoing rehabilitation, such as coronavirus pneumonia and chronic bronchitis caused by other viruses and bacteria, or Covid-19.

An Example of Apiphytotherapy Studies in Azerbaijan: Herbal

Ginger, turmeric, black seed, artichoke leaves, Azerbaijani thistle honey, and BB (bee bread) have a hepatoprotectiveeffect;therefore, they show effective results separately in case of alcohol-dependent and non-alcoholic liver obesity, hepatitis andtoxic liver damage. We studied how it can affect liver enzymes and hepatocytes in this group of patients. We took all these naturalplants and bee products in the optimal dose required by the body and prepared a paste called Herbal, so that everyday people couldeat comfortably as a food supplement, as well as see the therapeutic and prophylactic results. HERBAL paste for liver ingredients:flaxseed, ginger, seed of thistle, powder of yellow ginger, black cumin, and honey. Benefits: Herbal paste prepared based onwell-tested recipes improves the function of the liver and gallbladder. As a hepatoprotector, it affects the recovery of liver cells inliver diseases (hepatitis and cirrhosis), spleen disease, bile ductinfections, gallstones in gallbladders, inflammatory bowel disease,colitis, cholecystitis. It helps to remove toxic substances while taking medicine (antibiotics, chemotherapy, painkillers, etc.). Sideeffects: Individual sensitiveness to the contents of the product. Usage: In acute process 1 teaspoon, during chronic diseases 1dessertspoon twice a day before eating. Results: 48 women and 54 men with the third level of fatty liver dystrophy decreased to thesecond level (fibrosis did not occur). During the treatment of 114 patients who had an HCV (hepatitis C virus), I used HERBALpaste as a protector for the liver. After the analyses, 24 patients, who had liver cirrhosis ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST(aspartate aminotransferase) in the blood reduced twice. Another 81 patients from 90 who had virus had disappeared in bloodanalyses and in the exogenous factor of liver and GGT in the blood get normal.

Overview of the phytomedicine approaches against Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)successfully colonizes thehuman stomach of the majority of the human popula-tion.This infection always causes chronic gastritis,butmay evolve to serious outcomes,such as peptic ulcer,gastric carcinoma or mucosa-associated lymphoid tis-sue lymphoma.H.pylori first line therapy recommend-ed by the Maastricht-4 Consensus Report comprises theuse of two antibiotics and a proton-pomp inhibitor,butin some regions failure associated with this treatmentis already undesirable high.Indeed,treatment failure isone of the major problems associated with H.pylori in-fection and is mainly associated with bacterial antibioticresistance.In order to counteract this situation,someeffort has been allocated during the last years in theinvestigation of therapeutic alternatives beyond antibi-otics.These include vaccines,probiotics,photodynamic inactivation and phage therapy,which are briefly revis-ited in this review.A particular focus on phytomedicine,also described as herbal therapy and botanical therapy,which consists in the use of plant extracts for medicinal purposes,is specifically addressed,namely considering its history,category of performed studies,tested com-pounds,active principle and mode of action.The herbs already experienced are highly diverse and usually selected from products with a long history of employ-ment against diseases associated with H.pylori infec-tion from each country own folk medicine.The studies demonstrated that many phytomedicine products have an anti-H.pylori activity and gastroprotective action.Al-though the mechanism of action is far from being com-pletely understood,current knowledge correlates the beneficial action of herbs with inhibition of essential H.pylori enzymes,modulation of the host immune system and with attenuation of inflammation.

A review on the pharmacological and toxicological aspects of Datura stramonium L.

Datura stramonium L., a wild-growing plant of the Solanaceae family, is widely distributed and easily accessible. It contains a variety of toxic tropane alkaloids such as atropine, hyoscamine, and scopolamine. In Eastern medicine, especially in Ayurvedic medicine, D. stramonium has been used for curing various human ailments, including ulcers, wounds, inflammation, rheumatism and gout, sciatica, bruises and swellings, fever, asthma and bronchitis, and toothache. A few previous studies have reported on the pharmacological effects of D. stramonium; however, complete information regarding the pharmacology, toxicity, ethnobotany and phytochemistry remains unclear. Ethnomedicinally, the frequent recreational abuse of D. stramonium has resulted in toxic syndromes. D. stramonium, in the form of paste or solution to relieve the local pain, may not have a deleterious effect; however, oral and systemic administration may lead to severe anticholinergic symptoms. For this reason, it is very important for individuals, mainly young people, to be aware of the toxic nature and potential risks associated with the use of this plant. This comprehensive review of D. stramonium includes information on botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and ethnomedicinal uses.

Aqueous extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum decreases levels of blood glucose in induced hyperglycemic tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus)

Objective:To evaluate,in hyperglycemic tilapia[Oreochromis niloticus(O.niloticus)].the effect of this aqueous extract on blood glucose levels.Methods:The hyperglycemia in O.niloticus was induced by adding glucose to fish pond water.An aqueous extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum (O.tenuiflorum) was prepared by boiling fresh leaves and the doses of 0,40,80,200 and 400 mg per liter of pond water were tested.Results:The blood sugar concentration for tilapia with hyperglycemic induced was an average of 50%higher than the control group.The blood glucose levels in tilapia after the induction of hyperglycemia were higher than the control group for 90 min after the treatment.The treatment with the aqueous extract of O.tenuiflorum dropped the serum glucose level of hyperglycemic tilapia until it was similar to that of the control group and was dose dependent.Conclusions:The results indicated that O.tenuiflorum was endowed with anti-hyperglycemic activity.To our knowledge,this is the first report on the use of fish as a diabetes model to test natural extracts from plants.

Randomized clinical trial of an ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum in men with lower urinary tract symptoms

Aim： To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an extract of Ganoderma lucidum that shows the strongest 5α-reductase inhibitory activity among the extracts of 19 edible and medicinal mushrooms by a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized and dose-ranging study in men with lower urinary tract symptoms （LUTS）. Methods： In this trial, we randomly assigned 88 men over the age of 49 years who had slight-to-moderate LUTS to 12 weeks of treatment with G. lucidum extract （6 mg once a day） or placebo. The primary outcome measures were changes in the International Prostate Symptom Score （IPSS） and variables of uroflowmetry. Secondary outcome measures included changes in prostate size, residual urinary volume after voiding, laboratory values and the reported adverse effects. Results： G. lucidum was effective and significantly superior to placebo for improving total IPSS with 2.1 points decreasing at the end of treatment （mean difference, -1.18 points; 95% confidence interval, -1.74 to -0.62; P 〈 0.0001）. No changes were observed with respect to quality of life scores, peak urinary flow, mean urinary flow, residual urine, prostate volume, serum prostate-specific antigen or testosterone levels. Overall treatment was well tolerated with no severe adverse effects. Conclusion： The extract of G. lucidum was well tolerated and improved IPSS scores. These results encouraged a further, large-scale evaluation of phytotherapy for a long duration using the extract of G. lucidum on men with LUTS.

Effect of an extract of Ganoderma lucidum in men with lower urinary tract symptoms： a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized and dose-ranging study

Aim： To conduct a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized and dose-ranging study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the extract of Ganoderma lucidum （G. lucidum） in men with lower urinary tract symptoms （LUTS）. Methods： We enrolled male volunteers （〉 50 years） with an International Prostate Symptom Score （IPSS; questions 1-7） 〉 5 and a prostate-specific antigen （PSA） value 〈 4 ng/mL. Volunteers were randomized into groups of placebo （n = 12）, G. lucidum of 0.6 mg （n = 12）, 6 mg （n = 12） or 60 mg （n = 14）, administered once daily. Efficacy was measured as a change from baseline in IPSS and the peak urine flow rate （Qmax）. Prostate volume and residual urine were estimated by ultrasonography, and blood tests, including PSA levels, were measured at baseline and at the end of the treatment. Results： The overall administration was well tolerated, with no major adverse effects. Statistical significances in the magnitude of changes between the experimental groups were observed at weeks 4 and 8. No changes were observed with respect to Qmax, residual urine, prostate volume or PSA levels. Conclusion： The extract of G. lucidum was well tolerated and an improvement in IPSS was observed. The recommended dose of the extract of G. lucidum is 6 mg in men with LUTS.

Self-medication with nutritional supplements and herbal over-the-counter products

In recent years,the popularity increased for nutritional supplements and herbal products.Prescription drugs,but not herbal therapies are paid by health insurances.They are sold over-the-counter(OTC)on the patients’own expense.However,there are potential risks of self-medication,e.g.incorrect self-diagnosis,severe adverse reactions,dangerous drug interactions,risk of addiction etc.They are often used by patients at their own discretion without knowledge of and control by their physicians.Certain users are at risk of intoxication.Multiple medications taken by older patients increase the risk for adverse drug reactions,drug-drug interactions,and compliance problems for this age group(polypharmacy).Herbals should be discontinued prior to operations to avoid interactions with anesthetics or anticoagulants.Herbal preparations may also be carcinogenic or interfere with cancer treatments.Pregnant women use various OTC preparations.However,in many cases,it is unclear whether their use is safe for mother or baby.Self-medication with herbals is also largely distributed among anxious and depressive patients,and patients with other conditions and symptoms.The popularity of herbal products has also brought concerns on quality,efficacy and safety.Cases of botanical misidentification,contaminations with heavy metals,pesticides,radioactivity,organic solvents,microbials as well as adulteration with chemical drugs necessitate the establishment of international quality control standards.Hepatotoxic effects have been reported for more than 300 plant species,and some commonly used herbs have been demonstrated to interact with Western medication.Health care professionals have a critical responsibility assessing the self-care ability of their patients.Databases are available for pharmacists with information on action,side effects and toxicities as well as herbdrug interactions.There is a need for established guidelines regarding the correct use of nutritional supplements and herbal OTC preparations(phytovigilance).Physicians,pharmacists,and other health care professionals have to counsel patients and the general public on the benefits and risks associated with herbal drugs.Information centers for consumers and general practitioners are needed,and convincing evidence on safety and efficacy of herbal products has to be demonstrated in placebo-controlled,double blind and randomized clinical trials.

Brucellosis: Pathophysiology and new promising treatments with medicinal plants and natural antioxidants

Brucellosis is an old, infectious and common zoonosis whose causative agents are Gramnegative bacteria from the Brucella genus. Brucellosis is transmitted through direct contactwith infected animals or using unpasteurized dairy products of goats, pigs, camels, sheep,buffalo and cows. Brucellosis is still the most common zoonosis in the world, with mostof cases occurring in developing countries. Today, an approach to traditional medicine andmedicinal plants, especially with regards to the repeated recommendations of the World HealthOrganization, is a necessity. One-third of chemical drugs are produced by using plants andthere is a high potential to produce more drugs from plants. Medicinal plants are helpful inthe management of various conditions, especially bacterial diseases. Although there is notenough scientific evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of herbal drugs for the treatmentof brucellosis, there is strong evidence on the antimicrobial effects of herbal drugs to preventinfection. Therefore, this article seeks to describe the antibacterial effects of some plantderived essential oils or extracts, so that they can serve as promising choices to develop newanti-Brucella medications, as suitable alternatives to conventional antibiotics for brucellosis, asmuch as possible, taking into account the benefits of these herbal drugs.

Gems from traditional north-African medicine: medicinal and aromatic plants from Sudan

Sudanese folk medicine represents a unique blend of indigenous cultures with Islamic,Arabic and African traditions.In addition,Sudan encompasses different terrains and climatic zones,ranging from desert and semi-desert in the north to equatorial with a short rainy season(semi-aridand semi-humid)in the centre to equatorial with a long rainy season(arid-humid and equatorial-humid)in the south.This variation contributes to the immense diversity of vegetation in the region.The flora of Sudan consists of 3137 species of flowering plants belonging to 170 families and 1280 genera.It is estimated that 15%of these plants are endemic to Sudan.The intersection of diverse cultures and the unique geography holds great potential for Sudanese herbal medicine.Medicinal and aromatic plants and their derivatives represent an integral part of life in Sudan.Indigenous remedies are the only form of therapy available to the majority of poor people.It has been estimated that only 11%of the population has access to formal health care.Therefore,research on the desired pharmacological effects and possible unwanted side effects or toxicity is required to improve efficacy and safety of Sudanese herbal medicine.In the future,it would be preferable to promote the use of traditional herbal remedies by conversion of raw plant material into more sophisticated products instead of completely replacing the traditional remedies with synthetic products from industrialized countries.The present review gives an overview of traditional Sudanese medicinal and aromatic herbs and their habitats,traditional uses,and phytochemical constituents.

Treatment of Retained Fetal Membranes: Comparison of the Postpartum Period after Routine Treatment or Routine Treatment Including an Additional Phytotherapeutic Substance in Dairy Cattle in Switzerland

Background: The therapy of retained fetal membranes (RFM) is a controversial subject. In Switzerland, intrauterine antibiotics are routinely administered although their effect on fertility parameters is questionable. The objective of this study was to compare the post-partal period after a routine treatment of RFM in 2 groups: one group received a placebo additionally (A), whereas the other group received a phytotherapeutic substance (lime bark) (B) additionally. The routine treatment of RFM included an attempt to manually remove the fetal membranes (for a maximum of 5 min), intramuscular administration of oxytetracycline and intrauterine treatment with tetracycline. In case of an elevated rectal temperature (>39.0°C), an additional non-steroidal inflam-matory drug was allowed. Methods: Cows undergoing caesarean section, suffering from prolapse of the uterus, deep cervical or vaginal injuries, hypocalcaemia, and illnesses during the last 14 days before calving were excluded. Cows had to be more than 265 days pregnant. Only cows that were artificially inseminated after RFM were included. Group stratification was done according to the last number on the ear tag (even/uneven) with (n = 50) cows in group A and (n = 55) cows in group B. Results: The number of treatments after the initial treatment of RFM was not significantly different between groups. The median interval from calving to the first insemination was 77 days in group A compared to 82 days in group B (p = 0.72). The number of AI’s until conception was not significantly different between groups. The median number of days open was 89 days in group A compared to 96 days in group B (p = 0.57). The culling rate was not significantly different between groups. Conclusion: There was neither a difference between the groups concerning therapies within the first 50 days after RFM nor concerning the subsequent fertility variables.

Ethno-Medico-Biology of Bhadrak district, Odisha, India

We carried out an ethno-medico-biological investigation in the interior of Bhadrak district, Odisha, India to explore the therapeutic use of traditional plants/animals by local inhabitants. The villagers and rural people used plant and animal species as medicine. We recorded therapeutic use of 18 plant species of 13 families and 12 animal species of seven taxonomic categories. Different plant/animal parts like bark, leaf, flower, seed, stem, root, whole plant, oil, blood, milk, urine and flesh were reported as used in raw or cooked form against 17 specific diseases. Prominent diseases treated by plant/animal remedies were asthma, cardiovascular ailments, diabetes, epilepsy, jaundice, malaria, skin disorder and rheumatism. This study provides a better database for future studies.

Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of <i>Gossypium barbadense</i>L. Extract in Bone Cord Cells through the Micronucleus Test

The cotton plant is a plant belonging to the family Malvaceae and its leaves are often used in folk medicine. The present study aimed to evaluate the mutagenic or antimutagenic activity of the ethanolic extract of Gossypium barbadense L. (EEG) and to analyze its capacity to prevent or repair mutagenic lesions caused by cyclophosphamide (CP). For the Micronucleus test, Swiss mice were divided into 5 groups: negative control;Positive control: treated with 50 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (CP), group receiving EEG 500 mg/kg for 7 days;Group receiving EEG 500 mg/kg for 7 days associated with CP24h before euthanasia;Group who received CP and EEG 500 mg/kg for 7 days. After the treatment period, the animals were euthanized, the bone marrow removed and the blood smear prepared. From this analysis, it was observed that the EEG caused a significant increase in the number of micronucleated erythrocytes, indicating mutagenic activity of the extract. In addition, it was verified that the extract did not present the capacity to prevent, but it presented the capacity of repair of the chromosomal damages caused by CP.

Clinical Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of a Herbal Formulation in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Single Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition intimately related to ageing. Currently available treatment options for the management of BPH have various limitations and associated adverse effects. A polyherbal formulation is claimed to be beneficial in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. This single blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of polyherbal formulation in BPH. Material and Methods: A total of 60 patients who were diagnosed as BPH and who were willing to give informed consent were included in the study. At the randomization visit, a detailed medical history was obtained and the patients underwent a thorough systemic examination and digital rectal examination. Routine blood analysis, urinalysis and serum levels of prostate specific antigen were carried out. Abdominal pelvic ultrasonography was done at entry and after completing the study. The severity of the urinary parameters was evaluated using American Urological Association symptom score. All the patients were randomized using random table into either polyherbal group (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30). Each patient received either polyherbal formulation or placebo in a dose of 2 capsules twice a day with meals for two months. All adverse events reported by the patients or observed by investigators were recorded. Statistical analysis was done according to the intention-to-treat principles. Analysis was performed between the groups using Fisher's exact test or unpaired 't' test (Independent t-test). Results: Fifty-six patients completed the study. There was a significant improvement in the mean AUA symptom score, PVR urine volume urinary hesitancy, intermittent flow, straining during urination, sense of incomplete micturition and frequency of night-time urination, in the polyherbal formulation group. Four patients from the placebo group withdrew from the study due to lack of benefit to the treatment. Conclusion: The beneficial clinical efficacy of polyherbal formulation observed in this study in the management of BPH could be due to the synergistic actions of its potent herbs. This polyherbal formulation was well tolerated and safe.

Development of Baccharis dracunculifolia(Asteraceae)Essential Oil Nanoemulsion and Its Biological Activity on Pre-pupae of Cochliomyia hominivorax(Diptera:Calliphoridae)

Myiasis is considered a serious medical condition in animals and humans that occurs predominantly in tropical countries.Cochliomyia hominivorax is one of the main fly species that causes myiasis and the actual geographic distribution includes the Caribbean and all of South America,except Chile.The use of synthetic insecticides and endectocides in livestock for the myiasis treatment has resulted in insect resistance,while also causing residuals in the environment and contamination of animal food products.Biologically active compounds are considered an alternative for the sustainable management of insects,as they are biodegradable and less damaging to the environment.This study developed a nanoemulsion containing the essential oil of Baccharis dracunculifolia and evaluated its in vitro effects on C.hominivorax larvae.High pressure homogenization was used to develop the nanoemulsion.Larvicidal tests were carried out with the tested products using 15 larvae/repetition,for a total of 150 larvae per treatment.Five different concentrations of the nanoemulsion were tested shortly after preparation and after 120 days of storage.For the fresh formulation,at concentrations of 5,7.5,10,13.5,and 15%(w/v)we found mortality of 28,48,70,84,and 97%,respectively,while for the stored formulation,we found mortality of 17,36,51,81,and 92%.The larvicidal effect was similar,except for the concentrations of 5 and 10%(w/v)(p<0.05).Our results show that the natural based B.dracunculifolia nanoemulsion can be considered a promising alternative for the treatment and control of myiasis caused by C.hominivorax.

Histopathological study of the kidney after administration of methanolic extract of roots of <i>Leptadenia hastata</i>in the Albino Wistar rat

Introduction: the roots of Leptadenia hastata, (L hastata) are remedies from the Senegalese pharmacopoeia and are as widely used as the leaves. However, few researchers have devoted themselves to their toxicity, unlike the leaves. However, in the traditional pharmacopoeia, the indications for use are very different. The aim of our study was to study the effect of the administration of methanolic extracts of roots of L hastata on renal tissue, using an animal model. Materials and Methods: a cohort of 18 rats was studied with a random distribution of the animals in 3 groups (n = 6). The first group was the control group. The treated groups (Group II and III) received the methanolic extract of L. hastata with an administration of 500 mg / kg / day and 1000 mg / kg / day respectively, for 28 days. Results: The dose of 1000 mg / kg / day was lethal in group III, from the first week in females. Serum creatinine was significantly higher in rats given the root extract. There was kidney damage with vacuolar degeneration starting at 500 mg / kg / day. The lesions were more severe in group III with glomerular involvement characterized by retraction in the renal corpuscles. Conclusion: If the leaves of L hastata seem to be safe for consumption according to the majority of authors in the literature, the roots of this same plant could be harmful. In addition to the lethality observed at the doses tested, the lesions in the renal parenchyma would be dose-dependent.