The Effect of Dracocephalum Kotschyi Hydroalcoholic Extract on Biochemical and Hematological Parameters in Rat

Dracocephalum kotschyi is one of the native medicinal plants of Iran with anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of D. kotschyi hydroalcoholic extract on blood biochemical and hematological parameters in rat.

In this study, hydroalcoholic extract was prepared by maceration technique and its phenolic content was assessed by Folin-Ciocalteu method. The extract was then administered orally for 30 days (50, 100 & 200 mg/kg) in 3 different rat groups. A normal control group and vehicle treated group were also included for comparison. After a month of extract administration and qualitative observations, blood samples were taken from all the rats for quantitative determination of biochemical and hematological parameters. The liver and kidney sections were also prepared for microscopic pathological examination.

According to our findings, oral consumption of hydroalcoholic extract of D. kotschyi over a month induced no substantial changes in the measured biochemical and hematological parameters. The high dose of hydroalcoholic extract of D. kotschyi caused a slight increase in the amount of some liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) and the dose of 50 mg/kg elevated creatinine levels. However, examination of liver and kidney sections showed no microscopic tissue damage.

Short term consumption of hydroalcoholic extract of D. kotschyi has no adverse effect on blood biochemical and hematological parameters. However, as long as the long term effect of the extract on liver and renal function is not fully understood, consumption of D. kotschyi in patients with hepatic or renal failure is not recommended.