A subchronic toxicity test of ethanol extract from Tunjuk langit rhizome (Helminthostachys Zeylanica) on albino rats, Rattus noverticus (Wistar strain)

Abstract

Objective: Traditionally, Tunjuk langit (Helmynthostachis zaylanica) rhizome has been used as anticancer and anti-inflammation drugs; however, it may have toxic effects on major organs for a long-term continuously consecutive consumption. Therefore, this study was carried out to test subchronic toxicity of the ethanol extract of the rhizome on Albino rats, Rattus noverticus (Wistar strain). Methods: A total of 100 male and female rats were divided into five groups. Groups I, II, III, and IV were orally administered with ethanol extracts of 68, 136, 272, and 554 mg/kg body weight (BW), respectively. Meanwhile, Group V used as a control was no treatment with the extract. A toxic symptom has been observed by analyzing several parameters, namely BW, hematologic and biochemical properties, macroscopic organs, and relative organ weight. Results: In general, the results show that there is no any toxic symptom and statistically insignificant differences in these parameters between treated and control groups. Conclusion: We conclude that the ethanol extract of Tunjuk Langit rhizome does not have effects of subchronic toxicity.