An hepatotoxicity study after prolonged oral administration of Cassia angustifolia L. in Wistar rats

Present study was aimed to evaluate the long-term effects on liver functions of a C. angustifolia leaf extract. Experiments were performed in Wistar rats, after oral administration of doses corresponding to 12 and 58 mg/kg/day of herbal drug, for 4 or 8 weeks. The extract was standardized in 60% of sennosides, so that the doses used are equivalent to 7 and 35 mg/kg/day of total hydroxyanthracene glycosides, respectively. Biochemical analysis of serum (aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, lactate dehydrogenases, cholinesterase, amylase, lipase) and hystomorphological and immunohistochemical examination of liver samples were carried out along with the determination of oxidative stress parameters (reduced glutathione, and malondialdehyde). Results showed no significant modification in animal body weight, food and water consumption, enzyme activities, hystomorphological examinations, levels of reduced glutathione, and MDA formation, at either time or dosage level. Our study suggests that C. angustifolia, at doses that are about 10 and 50 times higher than those generally used in humans, does not alter hepatic function. The cause of senna-related hepatotoxicity is still unclear. It could be explained by the use of senna in particular situation (pharmalogical treatments, pathological conditions, hypersensitivity etc.) that can compromise liver function.