EFFECT OF HILUM POSITION IN THE INVITRO REGENERATION OF MIRACLE BERRY PLANT WITHOUT PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR ( PGRS)

This study evaluated the hepatic and renal toxicity profile of methanol leaf extract of Phaulopsis silvestris, a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine, using Wistar albino rats as experimental models. The increasing reliance on herbal remedies necessitates scientific validation of their safety, particularly regarding vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. A total of twelve male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups, including a control group and three treatment groups administered 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively for 14 days. Biochemical parameters including liver function markers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and bilirubin) and kidney function markers (urea and creatinine) were analyzed. The results revealed no statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the levels of liver enzymes, bilirubin, urea, and creatinine between treated and control groups. These findings indicate that the methanol extract of Phaulopsis silvestris does not induce acute hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity at the tested doses. The study therefore suggests that the plant extract is relatively safe for short-term use. However, further investigations involving sub-chronic and chronic toxicity studies are recommended to establish its long-term safety profile.