Étude de la toxicité aiguë et du potentiel hémolytique de l'extrait hydroalcoolique d'Atriplex halimus administré chez le rat Wistar.

Abstract

Atriplex halimus L., a halophytic species widely distributed in the arid and semi-arid regions of the Mediterranean basin, has attracted increasing scientific interest due to its richness in biologically active secondary metabolites and its numerous pharmacological properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the biological safety of the hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the aerial parts of Atriplex halimus using an acute toxicity model in rats, while highlighting the phytochemical and therapeutic importance of this species. Following extract preparation, Wistar rats were divided into experimental groups receiving different doses (200 and 250 mg/kg) by oral gavage. The effects of the extract were assessed after 1 hour, 6 hours, and 24 hours through monitoring body weight, relative organ weights, and the analysis of several biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, and LDH) and hematological parameters (CBC). A histopathological examination of the liver, kidneys, and spleen was also performed. The obtained results showed an overall stability of body weight and relative weights of the studied organs. Hepatic transaminase activities remained comparable to those of the control group, indicating the absence of liver damage. Despite an isolated increase in LDH levels after 24 hours, no significant alterations in hematological parameters or signs of systemic toxicity were observed. These findings confirm the good biological tolerance of the extract and are consistent with data reported in the scientific literature concerning the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hemolytic, and hematoprotective properties of this plant. Therefore, the hydroalcoholic extract of Atriplex halimus L. exhibited no acute toxicity at the investigated doses and appears to be a promising natural source of bioactive molecules that deserve further pharmacological investigations.