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Studies have demonstrated that Urtica dioica promotes regeneration of the liver cells following damage by carbon tetrachloride. This study investigated the effects of Urtica dioica on liver function following acetaminophen overdose. Mice were divided into eight groups of ten each. Acetaminophen at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg significantly (p

Cissampelos pareira Linn has been used traditionally in the management of several diseases including diabetes mellitus but its efficacy and safety after long term use is not scientifically evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine in vivo hypoglycemic activity and safety of aqueous leaf extracts of C. pareira in white male albino rats. The extracts were screened for their hypoglycemic activity in alloxan induced diabetic rats using the oral and intraperitoneal routes. The safety of these extracts was studied in rats orally or intraperitoneally administered with 1 g/kg body weight daily for 28 days by recording the changes in body and organ weight, hematological and biochemical parameters and histology. Mineral composition of the extracts were estimated using total reflection X-ray fluorescence system (TRXF) while the types and quantities of phytochemicals present were assessed using standard procedures. Aqueous extracts orally and intraperitoneally administered at 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg body weight demonstrated hypoglycemic activity with the intraperitoneal route being more effective than the oral route. Oral and intraperitoneal dose of 1 g/kg body weight of the leaf extracts significantly reduced the body weight gain. The same intraperitoneal dose increased the liver and spleen, and decreased the testis weight; and reduced the hemoglobin levels, packed cell volume and increased the platelet count; increased the activity of aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase, and decreased the activity of alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyltransferase, and creatine kinase and histologically slightly injured the liver and spleen and orally increased the activity of alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase, and decreased the activity of aspartate aminotransferase and γ-glutamyltransferase. The extracts contained phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, sterols, and reducing sugars. Potassium, calcium, and iron levels in the extracts were below the recommended daily allowance. In conclusion, the observed hypoglycemic activity and slight toxicity could be associated with the phytonutrients present in this plant extract. This study recommends continued use of this plant as an herbal medicine.

Acetaminophen is a common antipyretic/analgesic drug available as an over the counter prescription. It is an acetilide and phenacetic derivatives. Extensive studies on the safety of acetaminophen have been performed and evidence of hepatoxicity remains to be established. It has also been used in the management of fever and pain. In addition, it has been compounded with many other drugs raising concerns over the safety and efficacy of the use of acetaminophen. The toxicity effect of acetaminophen have also been sustained in all routes of administration; intravenous, intramuscular, rectal and oral with similar biochemical, hematological and histological profiles. The liver is the main organ responsible for metabolic biotransformation of acetaminophen. The hematological, biochemical and pathological effect of the acetaminophen hepatotoxicity will provide a better understanding of the mechanism of action in acetaminophen toxicity. This study therefore reviews previous studies assessing hepatoxicity by examining the biochemical, hematological and histological findings as determined after acetaminophen administration. The potential for Urtica dioica in protecting the liver and its ability in regenerating the hematological, liver enzymes and tissues has been demonstrated in many other studies as shown in this study. Hence, there is great potential for Urtica dioica in the protection of the liver against acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity. Statistical analysis is also very important for the interpretation of toxicity data. This study has also reviewed the relevant statistical methods as they have been used in various toxicological studies.

In this study five aqueous extracts; Bidens pilosa, StrychnoS.henningsii, Aspilia pluriseta, Catha edulis and Erythrina abyssinica were screened for anti-diabetic activity and their in vivo safety evaluated. The anti-diabetic activity was assessed by intraperitoneally injecting varying doses of aqueous extracts of the five plants into alloxanised mice. Toxicity was determined by injecting normal mice with 450mg of the plant extract / kg body weight and observing the effects of the extracts on histology of various organs. All the extracts showed hypoglycaemic activity. At high doses, some plants proved to be highly toxic, mildly toxic and others were safe. This study has established that the five bioactive plants can be safely used in the management of diabetes.