Evaluation of the acute and subacute toxicity of Lepidium sativum L. seed extract on Wistar rats

Introduction: Lepidium sativum L., commonly known as garden cress, is a well-known medicinal plant used in many low- and middle-income communities for their primary healthcare. In Ethiopia, L. sativum seed is traditionally used to address various health issues; however, its safety profile has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity of Lepidium sativum seed extract in Wistar rats. Methods: An acute toxicity study was conducted in female Wistar albino rats that were administered in a single oral dose and followed for 14 days. Sub-acute oral toxicity study was conducted in rats of both sexes using a 28-day oral toxicity study model. Observations of the animals were performed regularly during the study period, and body weight was measured weekly. Finally, organ weight and histopathology, hematology, and clinical chemistry data were collected on the 29th day. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted, and the results are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Significance was declared at p < 0.05. Results: Rats treated with 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg of L. sativum seed extract showed significant signs of toxicity, such as diarrhea, decreased movement, and piloerection. The extract caused significant hepatic enlargement in both sexes in the 1000 mg/kg extract-treated groups. Elevation of liver enzymes with associated histopathological derangements of the liver was observed in both sexes in the 1000 mg/kg treatment groups. Conclusion: The acute toxicity study of 70 % ethanol extract of L. sativum seeds did not result in mortality among rats at the administered doses. Therefore, the LD50 value of the extract was estimated to exceed 5000 mg/kg, categorizing it as practically non-toxic (GHS Category 5). However, the subacute toxicity study revealed detrimental effects on liver histopathology, clinical chemistry, and hematologic parameters at the 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg doses tested.