From Traditional Use to Toxicology: Ethnobotanical Analysis and Acute Toxicity Assessment of Berberis sp in Algeria
Keywords:
Berberis hispanica, Berberis vulgaris ssp. australis, ethnobotany, toxicology, lethal dose 50 (LD50)Abstract
Introduction: This study aims to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and toxicological assessment, focusing on species of the Berberis genus used in Algerian folk remedies.
Materials and Methods: An ethnobotanical study was conducted based on a bibliographic analysis and field surveys. At the same time, experimental test was conducted to verify the immediate harmful effects on BALB/c mice using an aqueous extract obtained by boiling 10% of the root bark of wich has being identified as Berberi shispanica (later known as Berberis vulgaris ssp. australis), collected in Tikejda forest arean (Djurdura national park). Experimental test has being conducted in accordance with OECD 423 guidelines.
Results: The ethnobotanical survey revealed frequent confusions between Berberis vulgaris and Berberis hispanica, we fund a marked lack of awarness ignorance among 93% of the herbalists interviewed about the availability and existence of Berberis taxa in Algeria, as well as the origin of plant material sold. This ignorance increases the risk of misidentification. The LD50 was estimated at 3162.27 mg/k, while the total lethal dose was 5000 mg/kg in males and 6000 mg/kg in females, indicating a higher toxicological sensitivity in males.
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