Evaluation of the sub–acute oral toxic effect of methanol extract of Clinacanthus nutans leaves in rats

Objective: To examine the possible sub-acute toxic effect after 14 d oral administration with 0.3 g/kg, 0.6 g/kg and 0.9 g/kg of methanol leaves extract of Clinacanthus nutans (C. nutans) on liver and kidney functions in young male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: This study was carried out according to OECD 407 guideline. A total of 24 young healthy male SD rats aged between 8-12 weeks old were used throughout the experiments. Each group consisted of six rats (n=6). All animals were observed twice daily until day-14. Body weight, food consumption and water intake were measured on day-3, 7 and day-14. Blood samples were collected and used to analyse the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubins, urea and creatinine in rats. Relative organ weights for liver, kidney, heart, spleen and lung were calculated. Results: From the results obtained, all the serum biochemical parameters, food and water intake, relative organs weight showed no significant changes when compared to the control group. No lethality and abnormal behavioural changes were seen in both control and treatment groups during experiment. Conclusions: For conclusion, repeatedly dosing of C. nutans extract at 0.3g/kg, 0.6g/kg and 0.9 g/kg up to 14 d was proven safe in male SD rats without causing any adverse effects and organ damages in male SD rats.