Hepatotoxic and hemolytic effects of acute exposure of rats to artesunate overdose

Abstract

Hepatotoxic and hemolytic effects of artesunate overdose were examined in rats. Forty (40) rats were grouped 
randomly into four designated as A, B, C, and D. and were given oral administration of artesunate as follows: 0 mg/kg 
(control), 1 mg/kg (Under-dose), 2 mg/kg (Normal dose) and 4 mg/kg (Overdose) respectively. The administration was 
continued for 5 days. Hepatotoxicity was monitored in the rats as a function of changes in serum levels of aspartate 
transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total serum albumin and 
malondiadehyde (MDA) level. The hemolytic effect of this drug was monitored by changes in the packed cell volume 
(PCV), total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin and malondiadehyde (MDA) levels of erythrocyte. For group D (overdose 
group) subjects when compared with the control (group A), there was significant (p<0.05) decrease in serum albumin 
and hematocrit, but significant increase in serum levels of total bilirubin, and conjugated bilirubin. An increased 
hepatocyte and erythrocyte malondiadehyde level was also observed in group D. The result also shows increased 
activities for the serum enzymes in all the groups when compared with control group but significant increase was 
recorded for groups C and D. There is a clear indication that hepatotoxicity and hemotoxicity are associated with 
artesunate administration at both required and overdose conditions however these effects are magnified in overdose 
conditions.