Acute toxicity of Aristolochia longa L. of aqueous extract in mice

Aristolochia longa L. (Aristolochiaceae) is widely used to treat breast cancer in Algerian traditional medicine. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of ingestion of aqueous extracts of different parts of the plant on liver and kidney functions in wistar albinos mice. Acute oral toxicity was performed to determine DL50, this toxicity was carried out by the oral administration in single doses of 0–12 g/kg for tubers aqueous extracts and 2 g/kg and 5 g/kg for aerial and fruit aqueous extract respectively.  General behavior, adverse effects and mortality were determined for up to 14 days. The animals were sacrificed and biochemical study was done. The acute oral toxicity result revealed that LD50 of the tubers and fruit aqueous extracts was respectively more than 12 g/kg and 5 g/kg, but DL50 of the aerial aqueous extract was at 5 g/kg. The result revealed also that liver and kidney function of different groups receiving high doses was affected as ASAT, ALAT, Urea, creatinine was significantly increased as compared to control group. Histological examination showed alterations of the renal parenchyma and the liver which is greater in animals treated with high dose. Thus, caution should be exercised with its usage. Keywords: Acute toxicity, Biochemical parameters, Histological examination Aristolochia longa L