Acute Toxicity Study of Aqueous Extracts of Thymelaea hirsuta Leaves And Flowers in Rabbits

Abstract

Thymelaea hirsuta is a medicinal plant known for its therapeutic virtues in traditional medicine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of aqueous extract of leaves and flowers of Thymelaea hirsuta in rabbit. Aqueous extract was administered to rabbit in single doses of 2.5, 4, 5.5 and 7 g/kg given by gavage. General behavior, adverse effects and mortality were determined for up to 7 days. Biochemical parameters aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol (CHOL) and glucose (GLU) were determined after 7 days. The results showed no mortality was observed during the 7 days of the observation period, an increase in AST and  ALT in treated groups at the doses of 4, 5.5 and 7 g/kg, and a decrease in both cholesterol and glucose levels in treated groups compared to control. Keywords: Thymelaea hirsuta, Acute toxicity, Biochemical parameters, adverses effects.