Effects of indigenous plant eugenia polyantha extract on blood parameters in rats / Masdiana Mohd Shahimi

Eugenia Polyantha (EP) belongs to Myrthaceae family that is widely distributed in Burma, lndo-China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia (Java, Sumatra, and Kalimantan). It is known for its traditional uses amongst Indonesians in the treatment of high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, stomach disorder, and diarrhea. There are studies which reported on its hypoglycemic effect, antiparasitic activity and anti-tumor promoting activity. The leaves is said to contain essential oils, flavonoids, tannins, saponin, steroid, terpenoid and alkaloids. This study was to conduct an acute toxicity test and a subacute toxicity test to identify the effects of Eugenia polyantha extract on the blood parameters in rats. Mortality and clinical signs of toxicity were also monitored. ln the acute toxicity study no changes in the blood parameters were observed. Neither mortality nor toxicity effect were observed. In the subacute study, some mortality and signs of mild toxicity were observed in treated rats. The differential count of lymphocytes was significantly increased, while that of neutrophils was significantly reduced in the treatment group. This represented a shift in the immune response. Significant increase in ALT and significant decrease in albumin level in the treatment group could suggest impairment of liver function. In conclusion, the acute dose of Eugenia polyantha extract did not result in changes in the blood parameters and no clinical signs of toxicity were observed. However, the subacute dose did result in mortality, a shift in the response of the immune system and impairment of liver functions.