Oroxylum indicum Extract, at a Physiologically Relevant Dosage, Does Not Induce Hepatotoxicity in C57BL/6J Mice

Abstract

Background: Botanical supplements have been proven to provide beneficial health effects. However, they can induce unintended adverse events such as hepatotoxicity. Oroxylum indicum extract (OIE, Sabroxy®) has several health benefits including anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antifungal, antibacterial, and neuroprotective effects. It is currently unknown whether OIE has the potential to induce hepatotoxicity. Purpose: In the current study, we sought to determine whether OIE can induce hepatotoxicity in C57BL/6J mouse model. Methods: The male mice were fed powdered rodent food (control group) or powdered rodent food mixed with OIE (Sabroxy®, 500 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks. Following the treatment, we assessed liver histology and serum levels of biomarkers commonly associated with liver damage, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Results: No significant alterations were observed in liver histology, and serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, albumin, globulin, and total protein in the OIE fed mice compared to the control mice. Conclusion: Taken together, our results suggest that OIE, when fed at its physiologically relevant dosage, does not induce hepatotoxicity in C57BL/6J mice.