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<p><i>Artemisia absinthium</i> L. is widely used in traditional medicine for the management of several ailments; however, comprehensive information regarding its safety profile remains limited. This study evaluated the phytochemical content and acute and sub-acute toxicological effects of the hydromethanolic leaf extract of <i>A. absinthium</i> in Wistar rats. Qualitative phytochemical screening and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses were performed on the hydromethanolic leaf extract, while X-ray fluorescence spectrometric elemental analysis was conducted on the powdered plant material. Acute oral toxicity was evaluated using Lorke’s method in Wistar rats (<i>Rattus norvegicus</i>) (<i>n</i> = 13). Sub-acute toxicity was assessed following daily oral administration of 250, 500, and 1000&#xa0;mg/kg of the extract to male and female Wistar rats (<i>Rattus norvegicus</i>) (<i>n</i> = 56) for 28&#xa0;days. Haematological, biochemical, organ weight, and histopathological parameters were subsequently evaluated. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, steroids, and volatile oils. GC–MS analysis tentatively identified several fatty acids, esters, and aromatic compounds, including n-hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid ethyl ester, and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. Elemental analysis showed calcium (47.361&#xa0;ppm) and potassium (7.022&#xa0;ppm) as the predominant elements. The oral median lethal dose (LD₅₀) was greater than 5000&#xa0;mg/kg, with no mortality or overt behavioural signs of toxicity observed during acute or sub-acute exposure. Body weight and most relative organ weights were not significantly altered, although pancreatic weight increased significantly (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) in female rats. Female rats treated with 1000&#xa0;mg/kg showed significant elevations (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) in alanine aminotransferase (344.4 ± 44.6 vs 160.0 ± 36.9&#xa0;IU/L) and aspartate aminotransferase (530.8 ± 15.5 vs 249.5 ± 59.1&#xa0;IU/L) compared with the control group, accompanied by mild centrilobular hepatic congestion. Significant reductions in serum triglyceride levels were observed at 500 and 1000&#xa0;mg/kg in female rats. Renal parameters and renal histology remained largely unaffected, while haematological alterations were minimal and mainly involved platelet-related indices in male rats. The hydromethanolic leaf extract of <i>A. absinthium</i> exhibited low acute toxicity and did not produce marked systemic toxicity following 28-day oral administration. However, mild dose-dependent hepatic alterations observed at higher doses suggest possible hepatocellular involvement with prolonged exposure. Although relatively safe at lower doses, caution is warranted with long-term use.</p>

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Phytochemical content and sub-acute toxicological evaluation of hydromethanolic leaf extract of Artemisia absinthium L. in Wistar rats

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月26日

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  • Chinenye Jane Ugwah-Oguejiofor,
  • Mathias Sylvester Nefai,
  • Emmanuel Mshelia Halilu,
  • Ibrahim Yusuf Alkali,
  • Aminu Ahmed Biambo,
  • Mansur Lawal,
  • Aliyu Hamidu Ahmed,
  • Achor Muhammed

摘要

Artemisia absinthium L. is widely used in traditional medicine for the management of several ailments; however, comprehensive information regarding its safety profile remains limited. This study evaluated the phytochemical content and acute and sub-acute toxicological effects of the hydromethanolic leaf extract of A. absinthium in Wistar rats. Qualitative phytochemical screening and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses were performed on the hydromethanolic leaf extract, while X-ray fluorescence spectrometric elemental analysis was conducted on the powdered plant material. Acute oral toxicity was evaluated using Lorke’s method in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) (n = 13). Sub-acute toxicity was assessed following daily oral administration of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg of the extract to male and female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) (n = 56) for 28 days. Haematological, biochemical, organ weight, and histopathological parameters were subsequently evaluated. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, steroids, and volatile oils. GC–MS analysis tentatively identified several fatty acids, esters, and aromatic compounds, including n-hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid ethyl ester, and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. Elemental analysis showed calcium (47.361 ppm) and potassium (7.022 ppm) as the predominant elements. The oral median lethal dose (LD₅₀) was greater than 5000 mg/kg, with no mortality or overt behavioural signs of toxicity observed during acute or sub-acute exposure. Body weight and most relative organ weights were not significantly altered, although pancreatic weight increased significantly (p < 0.05) in female rats. Female rats treated with 1000 mg/kg showed significant elevations (p < 0.05) in alanine aminotransferase (344.4 ± 44.6 vs 160.0 ± 36.9 IU/L) and aspartate aminotransferase (530.8 ± 15.5 vs 249.5 ± 59.1 IU/L) compared with the control group, accompanied by mild centrilobular hepatic congestion. Significant reductions in serum triglyceride levels were observed at 500 and 1000 mg/kg in female rats. Renal parameters and renal histology remained largely unaffected, while haematological alterations were minimal and mainly involved platelet-related indices in male rats. The hydromethanolic leaf extract of A. absinthium exhibited low acute toxicity and did not produce marked systemic toxicity following 28-day oral administration. However, mild dose-dependent hepatic alterations observed at higher doses suggest possible hepatocellular involvement with prolonged exposure. Although relatively safe at lower doses, caution is warranted with long-term use.