DETERMINATION OF THE ACUTE ORAL TOXICITY OF ANGELICA KEISKEI (ASHITABA) AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT

The use of herbal plants in the practice of traditional medicine has been gaining a good deal of attention and acceptance worldwide. One of the plants that may have potential therapeutic use is Angelica keiskei (Ashitaba), a perennial plant that belongs to the Umbelliferae family. Due to its wide popularity to the public, evaluation of its safety is warranted. An acute oral toxicity test of lyophilized aqueous extract of Angelica keiskei was evaluated in 5 female Sprague Dawley rats. In this study, a single dose of 2,000mg/kg of the lyophilized aqueous extract was administered to each rat. Mortality, CNS depression, stimulation, ocular, auditory and general changes were observed for 7 days post administration of the extract. Transient CNS depression as evidenced by paralysis of the forearms, legs, and head were noted for the first 4 hours post administration. Ataxia and decreased motor activity developed in 40% of the rats from day 4 post administration. Histopathologically, the following were noted: marked cellular swelling in the kidneys, mild centrilobular cellular swelling in the liver, and patchy cellular swelling in the cerebrum and cerebrum. The extract of Angelica keiskei is classified as GHS 5.

Department of Pharmacology