Acute Study of Histomorphological and Biochemical Changes Caused by Artesunate in Visceral Organs of the Rabbit

Abstract

15, 30 and 60mg/kg body weight doses of artesunate were orally administered to rabbits to determine the histologic and biochemical changes induced by the different doses of the drug for 30 days. The liver and kidney showed histological lesions of varied intensity. The alkaline phosphatase levels of the test showed no statistically significant (P > 0.05) increase over the control during the period of drug administration. But the aspartate and alanine transaminases showed significant (P > 0.05) elevations at doses 60mg/kg, and 30 and 60 mg/kg respectively. Cholesterol levels were significantly (P <0.05) decreased when compared with the control. Urea and creatinine levels were significantly elevated at doses 30 and 60mg/kg, and at all doses respectively. Sodium and potassium electrolytes showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) increases at doses 30 and 60mg/kg, and at all doses of artesunate administration respectively. The histologic findings correlate well with biochemical observations. One should be wary of artesunate consumption in view of its toxic potential.