Research Articles

2018  |  Vol: 4(6)  |  Issue: 6 (November-December)  |  https://doi.org/10.31024/ajpp.2018.4.6.22
Safety profile of an antihypertensive traditional herb: Oldenlandia auricularia

D. Inoka Uluwaduge1*, M. Ira Thabrew2

1Department of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka

2Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, Colombo 03, 00700, Sri Lanka

*Address for Corresponding author:  

D. Inoka Uluwaduge,

Department of Allied Health Sciences,

Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura,

Gangodawila, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Objective: The decoction of Oldenlandia auricularia (synonyms; Hedyotis auricularia, Exallage auricularia) is recommended as a treatment of hypertension by traditional Ayurvedic and folk medical practitioners in Sri Lanka.  Since the therapeutic benefits of any pharmaceutical agent depends not only on its efficacy but also its lack of toxicity, scientifically controlled experiments were carried out to evaluate any possible toxicological effects mediated by the short term or long term administration of a decoction of this plant. Materials and Methods: Experiments were conducted with ICR mice to determine the approximate lethal dose and to investigate short term toxicological effects (on liver function, kidney function and haematological parameters) or long term toxicological effects (on liver function, kidney function, haematological parameters and histopathology of major body organs) of administration of the plant extract. Results: Investigations showed that the decoction of this plant had no short term or long term adverse effects on liver function, kidney function or on the haematological parameters as well as the histology of body organs such as liver, kidney, heart, lung and intestine of mice. Conclusion: Oldenlandia auricularia therefore appears to be free from any major toxic or unacceptable effects when administered for a period of one month and indicates safety of the plant material as an anti-hypertensive agent.

Keywords: Oldenlandia auricularia, Hedyotis auricularia, Exallage auricularia, anti-hypertensive, toxicity

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