ABSTRACT
Aim: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo exposure effects of Euphorbia hirta decoction on Baby Hamster Kidney (BHK-21) cells and in albino rats, respectively. Materials and Methods: Extract of the plant was obtained after boiling and the filtrate dried. In vitro cytotoxic effect was evaluated on Baby Hamster Kidney (BHK-21) cells by examination of cell morphology under the microscope after exposure to 25, 50, 100 and 200 µg/ml concentrations of extract while the in vivo toxicity on some biochemical; alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Total protein, Albumin, Urea, Creatinine and electrolytes), haematological (Full Blood Count) and histological (Liver and Kidney) indices were evaluated after daily oral administration of the extract to four groups (n =8) of albino rats at dose of 0, 300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg body weight, respectively for 14 days. Results: In vitro evaluation showed a concentration dependent increase in cytopathic effect (CPE) in BHK-21 cells ranging from dark single particles indicative of early sign CPE at 25 µg/ml to severe CPE and apoptosis at 200 µg/ml. The in vivo evaluation revealed significant increases (p<0.05) in the activities of ALT, AST and ALP with values ranging from 11-15, 22-35 and 168-308 iu/l respectively in serum when compared to the control group. The concentrations of urea (243.71-270.60 mmol/lit) and creatinine (168.07-280.71 µmol/lit) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the test groups compared to the control group. Histopathological examination of the liver and kidney revealed varying degrees of alterations (sinusoidal dilatation, congestion, haemorrhage, centrilobular degeneration, tubular necrosis and tubular degeneration). Conclusion: The decoction of Euphorbia hirta is cytotoxic to BHK-21 cells and toxic to the liver and kidney of albino rats at the tested concentrations and dosages respectively. Until safe doses are determined, its uncontrolled consumption should be discouraged.