The hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl in rat

Background and Stachys lavandulifolia is used for many diseases. In this study the toxic effect of alcoholic extract of this plant was investigated, in rats. In present experimental study, 100 Wistar rats (about 250gr, 8-12 weeks old) were divided into 10 groups randomly (8 groups as case and 2 groups as control groups). Alcoholic extract of Stachys lavandulifolia was prepared by maceration method. Normal saline was injected to control groups and doses of 50, 100, 150 and 200mg/kg of the extracts were injected to others groups, intraperitoneally, daily, for 28 days. In 29th day, and one month later, the serum parameters level (ALP, AST, ALT) and pathological samples were evaluated in different groups. On the first month there was significant increase of AST level at dose of 200mg/kg and ALP level at all doses; compared to the control group (P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in the toxic effect of different concentrations of extract (P>0.05). On the second month, the liver enzymes changes was almost the same as first month, exception for dose of 150mg/kg that was increased significantly in AST level compared to control group and in ALP level compared to dose of 100mg/kg (P<0.05). The main histological finding was necroinflammatory and fibrotic reactions in liver at all doses, compared to control group (P<0.001). On the first month this hepatic damages significantly increased at the higher doses (150 and 200mg/kg) compared to lower doses (50 and 100mg/kg) of the extract (P<0.05). Extract of Stachys lavandulifolia caused toxicity effect in rate's liver, and therefore it should be use with caution.