Phytochemical and Oral Toxicity Studies of Euphorbia hirta Ethanolic Leaf Extract

Abstract

In this study, the ethanolic leaf extract of Euphorbia hirta was analyzed for qualitative and quantitative composition and evaluated for oral toxicity in Swiss albino mice. The mice were grouped into two and tested for acute (single dose of 2000 and 5000mg/kg) and sub-acute (daily dose of 500 and 1000mg/kg for 28 days) toxicity. Animal behavior, body weight, morbidity, and mortality were monitored for 14 days (acute) and 28 days (sub-acute), respectively. Hematologic and blood chemistry parameters (ALT, BUN, creatinine) were measured and analyzed.  The mice were sacrificed and necropsied at the end of the study, and organ weights were analyzed. Based on the phytochemical analysis, E. hirta contains tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and anthraquinones with total phenolic and flavonoid content 266.20±20.22 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE/L) and 21.13±2.57 mg QE/G, respectively. Vocalization, lacrimation, arching of the back, wet stool, and corneal opacity were observed in some mice given with the extract. Serum BUN, ALT, creatinine, and hematologic parameters were not significantly altered. However, a negative growth rate was observed in groups given multiple doses.  Mortality was not observed; thus, the LD₅₀ of the extract is > 5000mg/kg.