Assessing the toxic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl on rat's liver.

OBJECTIVE

Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl is a frequently used plant to treat different diseases, but its probable toxic effects have not been reported yet. This study aimed to study the toxicity of the extract on rats' liver.

METHODS

In this experimental study, 100 rats were designated into 10 groups and injected normal saline or Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl extract at 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally for 28 days. Four case groups and one control group were examined for ALT, AST and ALP after one month and the other groups were evaluated after two months.

RESULTS

In the first month, the increase of ALP at all doses and the increase of AST at 200 mg/kg was significant, compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the second month, AST increased at the dosage of 150 mg/kg, and ALP decreased at the dosage of 100 mg/kg, compared to the control group (p<0.05). Histopathological assessment showed a significant dose dependent increase both in necrotic-inflammatory reactions and fibrotic lesions, in the first and second months, compared to the control group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The Stachys lavandulifolia extract injected intraperitoneally has hepatotoxic effect, which is not eliminated by the drug withdrawal. Therefore, it is necessary to be consumed with caution (Tab. 4, Fig. 1, Ref. 21).