Toxicity Studies on Anti-fungal Essential Oils Extracted from Selected Aromatic Plants from Mabira and Kakamega Forests, East Africa
Journal Title: European Journal of Medicinal Plants - Year 2016, Vol 14, Issue 2
Abstract
Aim: In a bid to explore for grain bio-preservatives, essential oils extracted from Cymbopogon citratus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Monanthataxis littoralis and Aframomum angustifolium, that were earlier established to have anti-mold activity, were evaluated for their biosafety by determining the oral LD50. Methods: The essential oils were extracted by hydro-distillation from aromatic plants collected from Kakamega and Mabira forests in Kenya and Uganda, respectively. Acute oral toxicity was established using mice by determining the LD50; after which sub-acute toxicity studies were performed. The animals were observed for behavioural changes; and the gross and histopathological effects, if any, on the intestinal mucosa, spleen, lungs, liver, kidney and heart were noted. Results: The oral LD50 for Cymbopogon citratus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Monanthataxis littoralis and Aframomum angustifolium essential oils were established as 7,046.90; 4,723.33; 13,335.82; and 17,539.82 (mg/kg body weight), respectively. In all cases, increased breathing rates were observed, however Rosemary also caused lethargy and convulsions. Grossly, no changes were seen in the liver, kidney, lungs, heart and spleen from both the control and the treated mice except for Monanthataxis littoralis where the lungs and liver seemed changed; and the urinary bladder distended. However, the latter effects were noted at higher doses than the established oral LD50. Histopathologically, thickened intestinal mucosa lining; tubular degeneration and proteinuria in the kidneys; vascular congestion, focal necrosis and hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes in the liver, were encountered. Conclusion: Basing on the oral LD50 in mice, all oils were safe and can be explored further as anti-mold grain preservatives. However, Rosmarinus officinalis was marginally safe as per the OECD guidelines. The histopathological effects of Monanthataxis littoralis essential oil need to be investigated further.
Authors and Affiliations
Jesca Lukanga Nakavuma, Josphat Clement Matasyoh, Isabel Nyokabi Wagara, John Kalema, Lordrick Alinaitwe
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP349723
- DOI 10.9734/EJMP/2016/25185
- Views 87
- Downloads 0
Elemental Composition, Evaluation of Anti-nutrients, and Antioxidant Potentials of Morinda lucida
Morinda lucida is a tropical West African tree of medium-size, having brown colored bark, white flowers and yellowish ellipsoid seeds. It is widely used in traditional medicine systems of different countries. The prelimi...
Physiological and Phytochemical Responses of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Plant on in vitro Callus Formation
Two experiments were carried out to determine the physiological and phytochemical responses in Rosmarinus officinalis on in vitro callus formation/induction using natural and synthetic auxin, different cytokinin types an...
In vitro Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties of Active Compounds from Methanolic Extract of Pteris multifida Poir. Leaves
Aims: To isolate pure compounds from the methanolic fraction obtained from successive fractionation of defatted ethanolic extract and evaluate in vitro antioxidant and anticancer activity of the crude ethanolic extract,...
Medicinal Plants from the Brazilian Savanna with Antibacterial Properties
Aims: Research on natural antimicrobials has increased due to the emergence of microbial strains resistant to conventional antibiotics. We investigated and report here the in vitro antibacterial properties of crude extra...
Fibroblast Growth Stimulation, DPPH Antioxidant Assay and Antimicrobial Activities of Funtumia elastica (Preuss) Stapf (Apocynaceae) Leaf Extracts
Aims: To investigate the scientific basis for the wound-healing properties of Funtumia elastica (Apocynaceae) leaf extracts using relevant in vitro fibroblast growth stimulation, antimicrobial and DPPH-antioxidant assays...