Sub chronic toxicity studies of Phyllanthus acidus L. (Skeels) leaves extract in experimental animals

Phyllanthus acidus is a herbal plant used for its antidiabetic or diuretic properties. The present study was aimed to determine the safe usage of P. acidus leaves ethanol extract through subchronic toxicity assay. Subchronic toxicity assay was performed on Wistar rats by administering the doses of extract (22.5, 90 and 1000 mg/kg bw) for 90 days. The results showed that the extract could reduce the body weight as compared with the control group. Almost all the haematological parameters after treatment with the extract were found similar to control group (p>0.05). The extract did not affect alanine aminotransferase, glucose, blood urea nitrogen level; but increased the aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine and urine volume (p<0.05). Organ/body weight ratios of heart and lungs had no significant difference with all doses as compared with controls (p>0.05), but the liver was enlarged and the kidneys were shrunken (p<0.05). P. acidus ethanol extract was found relatively safe for subchronic administration but it should be carefully monitored to maintain the function of liver and kidneys while using at the high doses for long-term usage.