EVALUATION OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF Costus speciosus (J.König)Sm. LEAF FOR HEPATIC AND RENAL TOXICITIES: BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
Hewa Walpola Amila Sewwandi Subasinghe*, Lakshmi Menik Hettihewa, Sampath Gunawardena and Thushari Liyanage
ABSTRACT
Costus speciosus is popular among Sri Lankans as an antidiabetic
agent. Various parts of Costus speciosus plant are widely used in
traditional medicine. Many of its pharmacological properties have
scientifically proved. The objective of this study was to investigate the
consequences of long-term use of Costus speciosus leaf aqueous
extract (CSlwex) with respect to hepatic and renal functions of Wistar
rats. Wistar rats (170-250 g) were divided into 9 groups (n=5 each) and
labelled A to I. Groups A,B and C were kept as normal healthy rats. Insulin resistance was
induced in six groups D to I. Costus speciosus leaf aqueous extract oral treatment was
conducted for 12 weeks as given next. Group A and D- 1 mL of Distilled water, Group B and
E- 1500 mg/kg CSlwex, Group F- 2000 mg/kg CSlwex, Group G- 2500 mg/kg CSlwex,
Group C and H- 3000 mg/kg CSlwex, Group I- 20 mg/kg pioglitazone. After the therapy,
serum ALT, AST and Creatinine were analyzed. Histopathology of liver and kidney were
assessed for toxicity. No significant increase in ALT (34.77±6.19 IU/L, p=0.304) or AST
(137.55±9.83 IU/L, p=0.928) were found in insulin resistant rats. Also, Costus speciosus leaf
aqueous extract did not change ALT and AST significantly in healthy rats. Serum creatinine
of either insulin resistant or healthy rats treated with CSlwex did not increase significantly
compared to the respective controls (insulin resistant- 34.53±1.38 μmol/L; healthy-
42.56±3.27 μmol/L). No features of liver or renal toxicity were observed histopathologically in CSlwex treated rats or controls. In conclusion, 1500-3000 mg/kg doses of C. speciosus leaf
aqueous extract did not initiate hepatic or renal toxicity after 12 weeks continuous therapy.
Keywords: Costus speciosus, aqueous extract, Wistar rats, renal toxicity, hepatic toxicity.
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