Cardiotoxicity Screening of Commelina diffusa (Dayflower) Aqueous Extract in Female Wistar Rats: Acute, Sub-Acute, and Chronic Effects Following OECD 425 Guidelines

Abstract

This study investigated the potential cardiotoxic effects of Commelina diffusa aqueous extract in female Wistar rats, following the guidelines set by the OECD Test No. 425 for acute oral toxicity. Commelina diffusa is a medicinal plant traditionally used for therapeutic purposes; however, its safety profile, particularly regarding cardiovascular health, remains underexplored. This study evaluated the extract’s impact through acute, sub-acute, and chronic exposure models in oder to assess potential adverse effects on heart function and structure. Fifty non-pregnant female Wistar rats used for this study, were divided into 10 group of five rats per group. Group served as normal control. Group 2-4 were orally administered Commelina diffusa extract at 166mg/kg for 7, 14, and 21 days. Group 5-7 were administered the extract at 250mg/kg while group 8-10 received 500mg/kg of the extract for 7, 14 and 21 days. The mean CTn-I and CTn-T levels of the control were 194.34±0.03pg/ml and 285.64±0.03pg/ml respectively while those orally administered with 500mg/kg for 21 days were 138.15±0.03pg/ml and 228.34±0.03pg/ml respectively. The MDA level of the control was 7.84±0.01mmol/l while those of group 10 for 21 days administration was 3.22±0.02mmol/l. The LDH activity of the control was 187.74±0.02U/L while that exposed to the extract at 500mg/kg for 21 days was 154.16±0.03U/L. The CTn-I and CTn-T levels and LDH activity of extract treated at 500mg/kg were significantly enhanced in comparison to the control values. Commelina diffusa extract at 500mg/kg elicited enhancement potential on cardio-neurohormones and oxidative stress biomarkers of heart homogenate, hence could serve as a potent herbal candidate for therapy that could enhance cardiac functions.