Evaluation of the nutritional profile, bioactive substances, antioxidant characteristics, and safety evaluation of Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia hyssopifolia

Meryem Lamdak, Marouane Aouji, Wissal Baghdad, Abdessamad Ittorahou, Lalla Aicha Lrhorfi, Rachid Bengueddour

Abstract


Background: Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia hyssopifolia are traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, but evidence supporting their safety remains limited. Despite their widespread use in traditional medicine, systematic evaluation of their potential toxic effects is necessary before their medicinal applications can be fully supported. Therefore, this study investigated the safety of extracts of E. hirta and E. hyssopifolia by assessing biochemical and hematological parameters, together with macroscopic and microscopic changes in major organs of treated rats.

Methods: This research analyzes the nutritional composition, the bioactive compounds, and the antioxidant power, as well as the acute toxicity of two medicinal plants of the genus Euphorbia, Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia hyssopifolia.

Result: The proximate analyses reveal that E. hirta has a content of dry matter (14.51%), proteins (1.46%), lipids (1.78%) and ash (3.68%) higher than that of E. hyssopifolia. E. hirta also has higher levels of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, copper and iron, while E. hyssopifolia is richer in zinc. Both plants have a low energy content (46.85 52.99 kcal.1001 g), however, they offer an interesting source of micronutrients. Qualitative phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of polyphenols, catechins and gallic tannins, as well as leucocyanidin, while alkaloids and quinones were absent. In quantitative terms, E. hirta had a higher content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids (1.57 mg GAE.g1 and 67.49 g EQ.g1 respectively) compared to E. hyssopifolia. The evaluation of the antioxidant activity by the DPPH test indicates that E. hirta has a slightly higher antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 0.30 mg.mL1) than that of E. hyssopifolia (IC50 = 0.41 mg.mL1). The acute toxicity assessment showed no negative effects, no mortality or no modification of the biochemical and hematological parameters at a dose of 1000 mg.kg1. Histopathological examinations revealed no damage to the target organs (liver, spleen, kidneys), thus confirming the short-term safety of the aqueous extracts.

Conclusion: In summary, these two species of Euphorbia present interesting prospects for the development of phytotherapeutic agents.

Keywords

Acute toxicity, antioxidants, Euphorbia hirta, Euphorbia hyssopifolia, traditional medicine


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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.62940/als.v13i3.3961

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