Organotoxic Effect of Aqueous Extract of Justicia secunda Vahl. Leaf in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Aims: Justicia secunda is a widely distributed plant that is used in the traditional improvement of well-being and treatment of several illnesses and diseases, including anemia. There is limited research on the effect of extracts of the plant on body and organ weights and their effects on organ architecture. Study Design: This was a laboratory-based study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Chemistry and Biochemistry Resources Research Laboratory of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry of Hallmark University, Ijebu-IItele, Ogun State, Nigeria, from July 2021 to September 2022. Methodology: This research therefore investigated the toxicity of an aqueous extract of J. secunda leaf on selected organs in male Wistar rats. Mature male rats (15) were divided into three groups (n = 5): Group I (the negative control) received distilled water; Group II and Group III received 200 and 300 mg/Kg doses of the extract, respectively, via oral route, once daily for 14 days. The rats were weighed before being sacrificed; the weights of the kidneys, liver, heart, and spleen were also determined, and histological analysis was carried out on the heart, kidneys, and liver. Results: There was significant (p<0.001) concentration-dependent reduction in body weights with hepatomegaly in the extract-administered rats. The kidneys of Group III rats were significantly (p<0.05) larger than those of the negative control group. Histology revealed severe vascular congestion and edema in the liver of Group III rats and inflammation in the hearts of Group II rats. Conclusion: This study shows that repeated usage of the aqueous extract of Justicia secunda leaf should be done with caution due to its negative effects on the liver and the heart in rats.