ASSESSING THE INDIVIDUAL AND COMBINED TOXICITY PROFILE OF CISSAMPELOS PAREIRA AND COCCULUS HIRSUTUS IN ANIMAL MODELS

Abstract

The toxicity profiles of C. pareiraand C. hirsutus, commonly used in traditional medicine, were investigated using animal models in this study to assess the safety of their medicinal use. Acute toxicity testing involved a single oral dose of the plant extracts individually and in combination in rats over a 14-day period, while sub-acute toxicity testing included oral administration of the extracts for 28 days. Body weight, behavioral performance, adverse effects, and mortality were monitored during both studies. No abnormal behavior, changes in body weight, or significant alterations in hematological, lipid, or biochemical parameters were observed. Additionally, no mortality was reported, and histopathological examination showed no organ abnormalities at any dose. These findings suggest that the plant extracts do not pose toxic effects and can be safely used for further therapeutic experiments.