Acute and Subacute Toxicity Studies of Zinginber officinalis Roscoe essential oil on mice (Swiss) and rats (Wistar)

Abstract

 All substances are toxic, only the dose could differentiate a poison from a medicine. The oral acute and subacute toxicity studies of the essential oil extract from the rhizomes of Zinginber officinalis Roscoe were respectively investigated in albino mice and rats. Acute toxicity studies were carried out in both female and male mice. The extract was administered at doses of 4 and 7 g/kg body weight. Subacute toxicity studies were also carried out in both female and male rats. The extract was administered at doses of 1, 1.4 and 1.8 g/kg body weight. In subacute toxicity, the parameters measured included food intake, body weight, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities (ALAT and ASAT) as well as the histological analysis, creatinine, blood cell count and total proteins. We have registered two death mice in acute toxicity at 7 g/kg body weight. In subacute toxicity, rats treated with this extract had significant (P < 0.05) decrease in body weight as compared to the control as well as the food intake. Creatinine concentration, ALAT and ASAT activities were significantly increased (P < 0.01) with dose dependent. Furthermore, the total protein concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in groups that received the extract (0.6g/kg, 1 g/kg, 1.4 g/kg and 1.8 g/kg). The histological examination of livers presented diffuse clarification of hepatocytes, congestion and necrosis at higher doses (1.4 and 1.8 g/kg). Therefore we should consume this extract at a dose less than 0.6 g/kg of body weight.