Preliminary Evaluation of Acute Toxicity and Hypoglycemic Effects of Salvia officinalis L. Extract in Healthy Male Rabbits: An Animal Model Study

Hisham A.  Al-khawlani; Shatha Al-Fthahy; Safa'a   Amer; Resalh  Jubra; Maram  Al-Mashrama; Malak  Al-Magmhi; Hanan  Al-Nahary; Hadeel  Al-Mekhlafi; Amal  Al-Nahary; Aisha  Al-Habri; Nabil Ali  Al-Mekhlafi; Wala'a  Amran

doi:10.59167/tj3pbg80

Authors

Hisham A. Al-khawlani Department of Pharmacy, Albaydha University Institute for Continuing Education, Albaydha University, Albaydha, Yemen. Author
Shatha Al-Fthahy Department of Pharmacy, Thamar University Institute for Continuing Education, Thamar University, Dhamar 87246, Yemen. Author
Safa'a Amer Department of Pharmacy, Thamar University Institute for Continuing Education, Thamar University, Dhamar 87246, Yemen. Author
Resalh Jubra Department of Pharmacy, Thamar University Institute for Continuing Education, Thamar University, Dhamar 87246, Yemen. Author
Maram Al-Mashrama Department of Pharmacy, Thamar University Institute for Continuing Education, Thamar University, Dhamar 87246, Yemen. Author
Malak Al-Magmhi Department of Pharmacy, Thamar University Institute for Continuing Education, Thamar University, Dhamar 87246, Yemen. Author
Hanan Al-Nahary Department of Pharmacy, Thamar University Institute for Continuing Education, Thamar University, Dhamar 87246, Yemen. Author
Hadeel Al-Mekhlafi Department of Pharmacy, Thamar University Institute for Continuing Education, Thamar University, Dhamar 87246, Yemen. Author
Amal Al-Nahary Department of Pharmacy, Thamar University Institute for Continuing Education, Thamar University, Dhamar 87246, Yemen. Author
Aisha Al-Habri Department of Pharmacy, Thamar University Institute for Continuing Education, Thamar University, Dhamar 87246, Yemen. Author
Nabil Ali Al-Mekhlafi Department of Biochemical Technology, Faculty of Applied Science, Thamar University, Dhamar 87246, Yemen. Author
Wala'a Amran Department of Pharmacy, Thamar University Institute for Continuing Education, Thamar University, Dhamar 87246, Yemen. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59167/tj3pbg80

Keywords:

Salvia officinalis, Hypoglycemic, Acute Toxicity, Rabbit Model, Safety Assessment

Abstract

Background: Salvia officinalis L. is an aromatic perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, known for its diverse pharmacological properties, including potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-diabetic activities. Despite its extensive traditional use, the specific roles of S. officinalis in glucose management and its acute toxicity profile in rabbits require further elucidation. Objective: This study provided a preliminary assessment of the acute toxicity profile and the basal glycemic effects of a methanolic extract of S. officinalis in a normoglycemic rabbit model. Methodology: Twelve adult male White rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups (n=3). Group I served as the vehicle control, while Groups II, III, and IV received single oral doses of S. officinalis extract at 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg/kg, respectively. Animals were monitored over 14 days for toxicity, mortality, and body weight, alongside repeated measurements of fasting blood glucose (FBG). Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: S. officinalis extract demonstrated dose-dependent basal glucose modulation. The repeated measures analysis revealed highly significant effects for both time and dose (P < 0.001). The 1000 mg/kg dose was identified as the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL), while the 1500 mg/kg dose was established as the Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD). At 2000 mg/kg, an observed lethal threshold was recorded with a 66.7% mortality rate. Conclusion: The preliminary findings suggest that S. officinalis extract exhibits potential dose-dependent hypoglycemic activity in normoglycemic models. However, the manifestation of systemic toxicity at higher concentrations defines a narrow therapeutic window for the extract.

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