Background:
Quercus serrata Murray leaves have been used traditionally in the treatment of diabetes,
dysmenorrhoea, inflammation and urinary tract infection. So, far no study had been reported on the toxicological profile and
antioxidant properties of the plant.
Objective:
The present study was aimed to investigate the in-vivo toxicological profile and in-vitro antioxidant activities of
the methanolic extract of standardized Quercus serrata leaves.
Methods:
Per-oral sub-acute toxicity study was performed in rats using three dose levels (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg b.w.) of
the extract for 28-days. Control group received gum acacia suspended in water. Bodyweight was measured weekly.
Biochemical parameters were analysed using the serum, the blood-cell count was done using whole blood. Pathological
changes were also checked in highly perfused tissues. Further, in-vitro reducing power assay, nitric oxide scavenging assay,
DPPH free-radical scavenging assay were performed to check the antioxidant activity of the extract.
Results:
There were no significant alterations in the blood-cell count and biochemical parameters analysed in the treatment
group when compared with the normal control. Histopathology study of liver, kidney, pancreas, heart and brain revealed
normal cellular architecture in the treatment groups alike the control group animals. Quercus serrata also showed a
significant reduction of DPPH with IC50 4.48±0.254 µg/mL, in-vitro reducing power activity with IC50121.65±0.320 µg/mL
and nitric oxide scavenging activity IC50 106.43±0.338 µg/mL.
Conclusion:
The above study showed that standardized methanolic extract of Quercus serrata leaves was safe after subacute oral administration in rats and has good antioxidant potential.
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