Évaluation de la toxicité aigüe in-vivo de l’extrait éthanolique de Saussurea costus

Abstract

The medicinal plant Saussureacostus (Indian costus), widely used in traditional medicine, is renowned for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, digestive, and expectorant properties. It is commonly employed to treat respiratory disorders, gastric pain, skin conditions, and to regulate the menstrual cycle. This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity of the ethanolic root extract of S. costus, administered to female NMRI mice. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) was estimated at 630 mg/kg using Kärber’s method. Phytochemical analysis via thin-layer chromatography (TLC) revealed the presence of a spot at Rf = 0.68, detected under UV light and following revelation with Dragendorff’sreagent.Acute toxicity was assessed by intraperitoneal administration of a 160 mg/kg dose (1/4 LD₅₀) to female mice. This treatment led to a significant reduction in the relative weights of the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain, along with a notable decrease in AST and alkaline phosphatase levels, and a significant increase in ALT and creatinine, particularly in mice treated and sacrificed after 14 days. Alterations were also observed in several hematological parameters.