Toxicological Evaluation of Different Extracts of Andrographis paniculata

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of the crude extracts of Andrographis paniculata leaves using a Brine Shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality assay test to substantiate the ethnopharmacological uses of this plant.

Methodology: Ethanol, acetone and ethyl acetate extracts of Andrographis paniculata were subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening for bioactive compounds using standard methods and protocols. The extracts were further subjected to cytotoxicity screening using Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay.

Results: The results of the preliminary screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, anthraquinones, tannin and flavonoids in all the extracts studied, Phlobatannins and cardiac glycosides were not detected in any of the extracts. Total phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids tannins and saponins were determined quantitatively and the results showed that total phenols were the major phytochemical constituent present in highest concentration while the least was tannin in all extracts. The concentrations of these bioactive compounds were highest in ethanol extract. In Brine Shrimp Lethality Bioassay, all the extracts produced dose-dependent cytotoxicity effect to Brine Shrimp nauplii with ethanol extract exhibiting highest toxicity having LC50 value of 187.5 μg/ml compared to the positive control, potassium dichromate whose LC50 value was 130.0 μg/ml.

Conclusion: The cytotoxicity exhibited by the crude extracts confirmed the presence of potent bioactive compounds and validates the ethnopharmacological importance of Andrographis paniculata in the treatment of different illnesses.