In vivo biocompatibility evaluation of some Bidens tripartita extracts in rats.

UNLABELLED: Adaptogens represent a class of herbs frequently used as a unique and natural alternative medicine and herbal remedy for treating the many forms of stress and different other pathological conditions. Bidens tripartite, a flowering plant from the genus Bidens, family Compositae, subfamily Asteroideae was widely used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent, diuretic, febrifuge, narcotic and sedative effects. Phytochemical analysis of this plant has revealed the presence of flavonoids, xanthophylls, volatile oil, acetylene and polyacetylene, sterols, aurones, chalcones, caffeine and tannins.

AIM: The in vivo biocompatibility evaluation of two extracts from Bidens tripartita plant in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The vegetable product used for the study was obtained after maceration and extraction in alcohol. Flower powder was dissolved in absolute chloroform, re-extracted and filtered. After a complete dryness the product was extracted by the addition of ethanol then evaporated. The chemical composition of the extracts was determined. The administered dose of Bidens tripartita retained was 1/20 of lethal dose 50 (LD50). The experiment was carried out on white male Wistar rats (200-250g) divided into 3 groups of 7 animals each treated intraperitoneally as follows: Group I (Control): distilled water 0.1ml/10g weight; Group II (coded BT-alcoholic): 200mg/kbw alcoholic Bidens tripartita extract; Group III (coded BT-aqueous): 250mg/kbw aqueous Bidens tripartita extract. The biocompatibility properties of alcoholic and aqueous extracts from Bidens tritartita were studied by assessing their effects on blood count and serum biochemical tests. The following immune parameters: phagocytic capacity of peripheral neutrophils (NBT test) and serum complement activity were also evaluated. The data were presented as +/- SD and significance was tested by SPSS for Windows version 13.0 and ANOVA method. Experimental protocol was implemented according to the recommendations of the University Committee for Research and Ethical Issues and guidelines of IASP Committee for Research and Ethical Issue.

RESULTS: Laboratory analysis did not show significant differences on leucocyte formula (GOT, GPT and LDH) or immune parameters (phagocytic capacity of peripheral neutrophils and serum complement activity) between alcoholic and aqueous B. tripartita extracts and distilled water, elements suggesting a good in vivo biocompatibility.

CONCLUSIONS: In our experimental conditions, the alcoholic extract and aqueous extract from B. tripartita determined similar immune responses as distilled water following intraperitoneal administration in rats, indicative of good in vivo biocompatibility.