Sub-acute toxicological studies 2α, 3β, 21β, 23, 28-penta hydroxyl 12-oleanene isolated from roots of Laportea crenulata Gaud

Background: 2α,3β,21β,23,28-penta hydroxyl 12-oleanene was isolated from roots of Laportea crenulata Gaud (Urticaceae) as a new triterpenoid and its antifungal activities was evaluated against a number of fungi where moderate antifungal activities were reported. However, no toxicological study has yet been carried out.

Objective: The sub-acute toxicity of 2α,3β,21β,23,28-penta hydroxyl 12-oleanene was studied on albino mice.

Methods: The triterpenoid was administered on intraperitoneal route at 300 μg per mouse (20-27g) daily for 14 consecutive days. The studies included the determination of changes in body weight, hematological profiles (total count of red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet, differential count of white blood cell, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and hemoglobin percentage), and biochemical parameters of blood (serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum alkaline phosphatase, serum bilirubin, creatinine, and urea) as well as histopathology of the liver, kidney, heart, and lung.

Result: The changes in body weight, hematological, and biochemical parameters were statistically not significant when compared to control group mice. Histopathologically no abnormality was found on liver, kidney, heart, and lung of experimental group mice after treatment when compared to that of control group mice.

Conclusion: In sub-acute toxicity studies, the triterpenoid was found to be nontoxic. We suggest further studies such as chronic toxicological studies as well as route selection experiments.