An investigation on preliminary phytochemical and safety profiles of methanolic root extract of Curculigo orchioides

Abstract

Objective

The present study was aimed to evaluate phytochemical constituents and the safety of methanolic extract of root parts of Curculigo orchioides (MECO) by determining their potential toxicity after acute and 28-day repeated dose administration in Wistar Albino rats.

Methods

The phytochemical analysis was done by standard laboratory grade reagents. Acute and 28-day repeated dose oral toxicity studies were performed by the following OECD test guidelines 423 and 407 respectively.

Results

The present study reveals the presence of complex phytochemical constituents like flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids and phenols. In acute toxicity study no treatment related death or toxic signs were observed with MECO administration. In repeated dose study no significant differences in body weight changes and hematology was observed between control and MECO groups. Conversely there was a decrease in serum glucose and cholesterol levels and an increase in protein levels in treated rats compared to control. No gross pathological findings and difference in relative organ weights were observed between control and treated rats. Histopathological examination revealed no abnormalities with the test drug treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion C. orchioides was found to be non toxic in tested doses and experimental conditions.