Assessment of the Acute and Chronic Toxicity Studies of Ethanol Extract of Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. Leaves on Murine Models

Abstract

Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. (Asteraceae) has been a traditional therapeutic method for centuries, yet limited research has addressed its potential toxicity. This study aims to evaluate the in vivo toxicity of ethanol extract from Blumea balsamifera leaves (EEBB) through acute and sub-chronic toxicity tests in mice. In the acute test, single doses of EEBB (1000, 3000, and 5000 mg/kg) were orally administered and monitored for 14 days, extended to 42 days (satellite treatments). Sub-chronic toxicity involved EEBB doses (100, 300, and 5000 mg/kg) administered for 90 days, with further monitoring up to day 118 (satellite treatments). Results, EEBB contained various phytochemical compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids, etc. No clinical abnormalities were observed in both acute and sub-chronic toxicity experiments. However, a significant increase in body weight and weight gain was consistently noted in the experiments (p < 0.05), and food and water consumption were affected upon EEBB exposure (p < 0.05). After an extended observation period (42 and 118 days), alterations in hematological parameters (p > 0.05), biochemical evaluations (p > 0.05), urine composition (p > 0.05), relative organ weights (p > 0.05), and tissue structure in the heart, liver, and kidneys of satellite treatments with EEBB returned to normal. Despite initial observations of some transient adverse effects, the body appeared to adapt over time, resulting in no significant long-term changes (p < 0.05). These findings suggest the safety and potential benefits of the B. balsamifera leaf extract in mitigating potential adverse effects associated with its use.