The increasing use of plastic products has resulted in the release of nanoplastics (NPs), raising concerns regarding the potential impact on human health. Humans are continuously exposed to NPs through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact, yet direct evidence of adverse health effects remains limited. The aim of this study was to examine the cytotoxicity attributed to polystyrene (PS)-NPs with different surface charges-positively charged PS-NH2-NPs, and negatively charged COOH-PS-NPs using as model human lung epithelial (BEAS-2B) and skin keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Confocal microscopy confirmed that all PS-NPs penetrated the cell membrane, indicating their potential for cellular interaction. Amongst the PS-NH2-NPs induced the highest cytotoxicity in both cell types, suggesting a strong association between positive surface charge and cellular damage. In addition, exposure to PS-NH2-NPs initiated a concentration-dependent increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), indicative of oxidative stress as a key mechanism underlying toxicity. Data demonstrated that positively charged PS-NH2-NPs pose a greater toxicological risk than neutral or negatively charged counterparts. Our findings indicate the significance of surface charge in determining NP-induced toxicity and contribute to a better understanding of their potential risks to lung and skin health. Further research is necessary to validate these findings and inform regulatory efforts for safer plastic material usage.
Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a South American plant known to contain high amounts of phenolic content which are associated with health benefits. This study aimed to (1) formulate and characterize functional beverages based upon mate tea (MT) and its combinations with jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora, MT60JAB40) and pitanga (Eugenia uniflora, MT90PIT10) and (2) to determine their cytotoxic potential against human liver tumor cells (HuH7.5) using the MTT assay. Assessment of these product combinations in drinks was not previously conducted. Physicochemical analysis demonstrated that addition of fruit juices to I. paraguariensis significantly altered pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, and color. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) were highest in the pure MT formulation. Despite a reduction in antioxidant capacity with fruit addition, all beverages retained significant phenolic levels. MT displayed concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity using 12.5 µl/ml. MT60JAB40 and MT90PIT10 also exhibited cytotoxic effects, although primarily at higher concentrations. These findings suggest that yerba mate-based beverages, especially in combination with native fruits, hold promise as bioactive functional products with potential cytotoxic on tumor cells.
Over the past 5 decades, sex ratio at birth (SRB) has declined significantly. It is noteworthy that SRBs may vary considerably across geographical regions and time periods, making them a valuable indicator of general population health and a potential signal of adverse environmental conditions. Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was associated with higher SRBs as well as increased lung cancer risk. It is unclear whether the relationship between these two parameters is coincidental or whether elevated SRBs in PM2.5 air-polluted areas might serve as a predictor of lung cancer risk. The aim of this study was to examine the possible association between SRBs and the likelihood of death attributed to lung cancer. In order to achieve this aim, studies were conducted, in which PM2.5 levels, number of SRBs, and standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for lung cancer were determined for 66 municipalities in Taiwan from 2010 to 2023. SRBs were found to display a non-significant positive association with lung cancer mortality risk in women. The relative risks (RRs) in the second, third, and fourth quartiles of SRB were 1.019 (95% CI = 0.961-1.080), 1.031 (95% CI = 0.973-1.093), and 1.028 (95% CI = 0.970-1.090), respectively, compared with the lowest quartile of SRB. For men, they were 0.992 (95% CI = 0.946-1.040), 0.996 (95% CI = 0.950-1.045), and 1.03 (95% CI = 0.982-1.081). Data suggested that routine monitoring of SRBs may not be sufficiently sensitive to serve as a reliable screening measure for detection of population-level health risk based upon lung cancer findings, particularly in areas with high levels of PM2.5 air pollution.
Allelopathy is a biological event in which organisms affect the growth and development of other species through the release of secondary metabolites termed allelochemicals. Croton species are known for their rich production of these metabolites, which present bioactive potential and allelopathic potential. Croton urucurana Baillon is a plant that has been traditionally used in folk medicine for its pharmaceutical properties, although this plant presents phytoconstituents that exhibit allelopathic properties, which have been poorly explored. Thus, this study (1) aimed to identify the phytoconstituents and measure allelopathic activity of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of C. urucurana Baillon and (2) to determine influence of these phytocompounds on seed germination and initial growth of Lactuca sativa L. Triticum aestivum L. coleoptile growth and genotoxicity utilizing Allium cepa L. Data demonstrated the presence of several compounds, predominantly quercetin, kaempferol, and apigenin derivatives. These compounds may be responsible for C. urucurana- initiated inhibitory effects on seed germination and early development of L. sativa and wheat coleoptiles growth. Further, the secondary metabolites may have interfered with roots cells of A. cepa reducing mitotic index, increasing number of chromosomal aberrations, and inducing micronuclei formation, which indicate the genotoxic potential of extracts from C. urucurana. Therefore, this specie from Croton genus appears to be a promising source of natural allelochemicals that might be used for both sustainable management of invasive plants and environmental toxicity assessment studies.
Industrial effluents may contain a wide range of contaminants capable of producing adverse environmental effects even after conventional treatment. This study aimed to assess the phytotoxic potential of effluents derived from a waste treatment company located in a rural area of Minas Gerais, Brazil, by integrating physicochemical analyses and terrestrial plant bioassays. Samples were collected from raw and treated effluents, as well as nearby surface waters, and tested using four plant species: Lactuca sativa, Phaseolus vulgaris, Cenchrus americanus, and Zea mays. Biological endpoints included germination percentage (%G), germination speed index (GSI), fresh biomass, and seedling growth parameters. The treated effluent exhibited elevated levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nickel, and surfactants, which exceeded environmental regulatory limits. Among the tested species, L. sativa demonstrated the highest sensitivity across all endpoints, displaying an average inhibition of 31.59% and the highest Integrated Biological Response (IBR) value. The combination of sensitivity indices and IBR confirmed the toxic potential of treated effluent, emphasizing the relevance of bioassays as complementary tools to traditional physicochemical assessments. These findings indicate the limitations of current treatment processes and reinforce the need for ecotoxicological monitoring using multiple plant models to detect sublethal and potentially genotoxic effects of effluent discharge on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Sex ratio at birth (SRB) is a simple, noninvasive way to monitor population reproductive health. Some metals might function as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with known estrogenic or androgenic effects and were reported to potentially influence SRBs. The metal arsenic (As) is a major risk factor for blackfoot disease (BFD), a peripheral vascular disease, endemic to southwest Taiwan for more than 50 years attributed to residents' consumption of local artesian well water, which contained high levels of this metal. In the early 1960s, a tap water supply system was implemented in BFD-endemic areas. By the mid-1970s, individuals residing in the areas had stopped using artesian well water for drinking or cooking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term exposure to As in drinking water on the SRBs. Annual numbers of male and female births were obtained from Taiwan's Department of Household Registration, Ministry of Interior Affairs. Sex ratios at birth were calculated for BFD-endemic areas for the years from 1947 to 2024. Compared to the entire Taiwan, the BFE-endemic area displayed an odds ratio (OR) of 0.9966 (95% CI = 0.9804-1.013) for producing a male child between 1947 and 1980. However, from 1980 onwards, the OR for having a boy was significantly increased in the areas (OR = 1.0311, 95% CI = 1.0114-1.0512) compared to the time residents imbibed water from artesian well water containing high amounts of As (1947-1980). These findings provide increasing evidence that As exposure produced changes in SRBs in Taiwan.
Tobacco consumption remains one of the leading causes of preventable diseases and deaths worldwide. Among its major constituents, nicotine (NIC) and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) stand out attributed to their toxicological and carcinogenic potential. While NIC is primarily recognized for its addictive properties, TSNAs such as N '-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) are well-established procarcinogens derived from nicotine metabolism. Although the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of NNN and NNK have been extensively documented, the impact of their combined exposure with NIC remains poorly understood. This study investigated the mutagenic and recombinogenic activities of NIC in association with NNN and NNK in vivo using the Drosophila melanogaster wing somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART). Two experimental designs were applied: the standard cross, with basal levels of cytochrome P450-dependent metabolic activity, and the high bioactivation cross, characterized by elevated P450 levels essential for metabolic activation of procarcinogens and promutagens. Data demonstrated that NIC, NNN, and NNK tested individually did not significantly alter mutant clone frequencies. However, combined treatment of NNN 0.001 mg/ml and NNK 0.001 mg/ml in the high bioactivation cross induced a significant rise in total frequency of mutant spots. Further analysis revealed that 73.5% of induced genetic alterations were attributable to somatic recombination events. These findings demonstrate the genotoxic potential of combined TSNAs, suggesting that simultaneous exposure may potentiate genetic damage primarily through recombination mechanisms, emphasizing an important risk factor for tobacco-related health outcomes.
The aim of this study was to examine whether intraperitoneal (ip) rutin administration is able to reduce or prevent Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii-induced brain damage, as well as lower fungal burden in male Wistar rats. Inhibitory avoidance tasks revealed memory impairments in rats experimentally infected with C. neoformans var. grubii when compared to saline or uninfected rats. Rutin administration to infected rats prevented memory loss. Brain reactive oxygen species, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and nitric oxide levels were significantly higher in rats infected with C. neoformans var. grubii compared to saline or uninfected animals. Rutin administration to infected rats decreased (61%, 33%, and 58%, respectively) all these alterations. Brain catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels were significantly diminished in rats infected with C. neoformans var. grubii compared to saline or uninfected rats, while rutin administration to infected rats blocked reductions in brain TAC levels and partially restored brain CAT activity. Finally, administration of rutin decreased (49%) brain fungal burden compared to saline or uninfected rats. Summary data demonstrated that oxidative stress was involved in C. neoformans var. grubii-induced memory impairment. The novelty of the study is that rutin ameliorated C. neoformans var. grubii-initiated memory loss via stimulation of the antioxidant defense system protecting the brain against free radical-mediated effects and lipid peroxidation, as well as exerting antifungal action. Thus, rutin may be considered as a potential source for cryptococcosis treatment.
Diet and living conditions are modifiers of behavioral and cardiovascular health, yet the combined effect is understudied, and their potential to alter responses to environmental stressors like wildfire smoke (WS) requires characterization. The purpose of this study was to determine whether housing enrichment (1) mitigates adverse cardiometabolic and neurobehavioral effects following a high fructose diet and (2) decreases responses to WS. Male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were divided into either depleted (DH) or enriched housing (EH) and fed a normal (ND) or high-fructose (HF) diet. Body composition, metabolism, and behavior were assessed over 30-weeks and cardiac function tested after a single exposure to either filtered air (FA) or flaming eucalyptus WS. EH rats exhibited significantly lower % body fat and higher % lean mass, no difference in weight, and significantly lower respiratory exchange ratio (RER) during the light phase, indicating a shift in basal metabolism after 13 weeks. EH rats habituated faster to acoustic startle and displayed less prepulse inhibition than DH, associated with improved learning and locomotor activity. In general, the effect of housing on behavior was greater than diet, while HF worsened within-group responses. WS increased blood and left ventricular pressure and contractility in EH rats, which was blunted by HF. Thus, housing enrichment appears to (1) improve certain systemic functions and behaviors and (2) enhance cardiovascular responses following WS, but partially blunting the effect of HF. These results indicate a complex interaction between housing and diet over the long-term and potentially altered adverse health risks from environmental smoke exposures.
Methylparaben (MeP) has a wide application in several industries including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products (PCP), thus accounting for its ubiquity in the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of MeP on cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and antioxidant defense mechanisms utilizing juvenile African catfish, Clarias gariepinus as a model. Juvenile C. gariepinus were exposed to 0.74 or 1.48 mg/L MeP for 28 days after which the liver was excised for determination of cytotoxicity and oxidative stress parameters. The head kidney was extracted for histopathological analysis. Control fish were maintained in water spiked with 10 μL/L ethanol. The levels of respiratory burst, lipid peroxidation, and activities of superoxide dismutase and lactate dehydrogenase increased significantly in MeP-exposed fish especially at 1.48 mg/L compared to control. The % of DNA fragmentation also significantly increased across the treatments. Exposure to MeP resulted in various histological lesions including vacuolation of epithelial cells, infiltration of renal tubules with inflammatory cells, and thickening of the glomerular membrane in the head kidney. Data demonstrated that MeP exerted various adverse effects including cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and oxidative stress in the fish, C. gariepinus, attributed to possible activation of cellular stress inflammatory pathways.
Exposures to pollutants rarely occur in isolation, often coexisting with other environmental stressors such as diet and may be particularly insidious in early life. The aim of this study was to examine effects of maternal exposure to cadmium (Cd) and consumption of a high-fructose diet (HFrD) on development of mouse offspring. Female CD-1 mice were administered either 0.5 or 5 ppm Cd in drinking water with or without an approximate 60% fructose diet for 3 weeks prior to mating. Dams were maintained on the same treatment until postnatal day (PND) 16. Cadmium concentrations in maternal, fetal, and neonatal liver increased in a concentration-dependent manner irrespective of diet. Endpoints known to be associated with Cd or HFrD adverse effects were assessed longitudinally in offspring from birth to young adulthood, including growth trajectory, pubertal development, body composition, glycemic tolerance and hepatic lipid accumulation. Maternal exposure to either Cd or HFrD alone significantly advanced onset of puberty, hypoglycemia, and reduced adiposity in adulthood. HFrD rarely exacerbated metal-initiated effects in most of the endpoints examined outside of pubertal timing. Because of chronic effects attributed to Cd or HFrD on metabolic function (e.g. glucose tolerance), transcriptomics and gene methylation analyses were performed on livers from neonatal and adult offspring. Data were largely consistent with phenotypic findings. In summary, maternal exposure to Cd or HFrD alone perturbed growth and development, producing long-lasting changes in metabolic function in adult offspring. HFrD did not appear to significantly exaggerate adverse outcomes attributed to metal exposure in the endpoints examined.
Although long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been linked to lung cancer, its association with non-lung cancers remains underexplored. The aim of this study was to examine the association between PM2.5 exposure and development of gastric cancer (GC), which ranks as the eighth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Taiwanese men and sixth in women. The mortality rates of GC vary considerably across townships in Taiwan, suggesting potential environmental influence. Thus, whether there was an association between long-term exposure to PM2.5 and deaths attributed to GC was investigated across 66 municipalities in Taiwan. To determine this relationship, age-standardized GC mortality data were collected for the years 2012-2021 and correlated with PM2.5 levels divided into tertiles. Adjusted risk ratio (RR) attributed to GC death was calculated by multiple regression analyses. For men, adjusted RRs were 1.04 (95% CI = 0.97-1.11) and 0.89 (95% CI = 0.82-0.95) in municipalities in the middle tertile (18.96-25.19 μg/m3) and highest (25.2-29.46 μg/m3), respectively, compared to the lowest (9.44-18.95 μg/m3). For women, the corresponding adjusted RRs were 1.04 (95% CI = 0.94-1.13) and 0.85 (95% CI = 0.77-0.94), respectively. Surprisingly, trend analyses noted a significant inverse association between PM2.5 levels and GC-related mortality in both men and women. This counterintuitive finding may be a chance finding. Further investigation is needed to study the possible adverse effects of long-term exposure to PM2.5 on GC-associated mortality.
Missions for federal facilities, such as the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Energy (DOE), include protecting human health and the environment. The public is interested in whether ecological resources are protected on such lands, especially following remediation of legacy wastes remaining from World War II, Cold War, and industrial activities. Many DOE sites are remediated for future uses depending upon potential for exposure to residual contamination. This study: (1) examined the % ecological resources remaining on Rocky Flats following completion of cleanup, (2) compared the ecological resources (i.e. plant cover) of Rocky Flats (RF) with the surrounding 10-km and 30-km bands of land, and (3) measured % natural vegetation on RF with comparable % on three other large DOE facilities that are still undergoing remediation. Rocky Flats contains significantly more grassland than the surrounding region, with less development, and is mostly a National Wildlife Refuge open to the public. Agriculture and grazing do not occur on RF. The three sites undergoing remediation have significantly more natural habitat (climax vegetation) than their surrounding buffer areas. The aim of this study was to examine the implications of ecological protection of climax vegetation upon these sites and the importance of consistently examining regional ecologies.
Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal commonly introduced into agricultural soils through phosphate fertilizers. Cadmium accumulation poses serious risks to human health, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability. Although the toxic effects of Cd on plant development are well documented, effective and sustainable strategies to mitigate its impact on seed germination and early plant growth remain limited. Nanomaterials such as graphene oxide (GO) demonstrated potential in alleviating abiotic stress, but application in Cd-contaminated agricultural systems requires further investigation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the potential of GO as a possible mitigator of adverse Cd-initiated effects on seed germination and initial growth of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings. Rice seeds were treated with varying concentrations of GO (0 to 500 mg/L), Cd chloride (0 to 0.4 mM), and combination of GO + Cd chloride simultaneously. The experiment was conducted on a germitest paper, where the rolls were kept for 7 days in a germination chamber (25 ± 2 °C and 12 hr light). The germination and seedling growth were subsequently assessed. Cadmium exposure inhibited seed germination and early seedling development, particularly at concentrations from 0.1 mM. Graphene oxide, on the other hand, proved to be a suitable alternative to mitigate Cd-induced stress, showing a significant enhanced germination at concentrations of up to 250 mg/L. Graphene oxide demonstrated potential as a protective agent against Cd-induced toxicity in rice seeds, suggesting its promising application in improving crop resilience in metal-contaminated environments.
The increase in water and soil contamination by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) constitutes a major environmental concern. Amongst these elements, cadmium (Cd) stands out due to its high mobility in both soil and plant vascular tissue. Consequently, effective strategies for PTE removal are urgently needed. This study aimed to examine the growth, anatomical and cellular traits, chlorophyll fluorescence, macro- and micronutrients content of Pau-Viola (Citharexylum myrianthum Cham.) seedlings exposed to different Cd concentrations 0.25, 0.5, or 0.75 μmol/kg in soil. C. myrianthum seedlings exposed to Cd exhibited minimal alterations in morphophysiological attributes. Cadmium was predominantly retained in the root system with limited translocation to the shoots, thereby preserving growth and nutritional balance. The lower Cd accumulation in the leaves helped maintain the integrity of the photosynthetic electron transport chain and the chlorophyll index, resulting in only minor changes in chlorophyll a fluorescence transients. The observed tolerance of C. myrianthum to Cd-initiated toxicity suggests metallic potential use in reforestation programs for Cd-contaminated areas, as the species demonstrated resilience and physiological stability under such conditions.
The objective of this study was to produce and characterize a hydroalcoholic extract of Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh (Camu-Camu) as well as determine antitumor and photoprotective potential. Data showed that 20 min and 50% ethanol:50% water were the best conditions for extraction in terms of phenolic compounds. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was determined utilizing the DPPH method and obtained an EC50 value of 100.0 ± 3.2 μg/L. The ascorbic acid value detected was 3,504.78 ± 63.5 mg/100 ml using the Balentine method. The MTT cytotoxicity test demonstrated that the extract was not cytotoxic for renal cells of Macaca mulatta (LLC-MK2), but in fact initiated an increase in cell viability to 239.56%. Using the same assay with tumor cells, the extract demonstrated cytotoxic effect for human liver (HuH-7.5) and renal carcinoma (786-0) resulting in a cell viability of 22 and 20%, respectively. Ultraviolet type B radiation induced mortality of LLC-MK2 cells with cytotoxic effect proportional to the concentrations employed; however, the extract of Camu-Camu was able to promote photoprotection, especially in post-treatment with a viability of 38.79% without treatment for 178.8% in the post-treatment. Data demonstrated that the extract of Camu-Camu may be considered an important substance to prevent damage generated by ultraviolet radiation and as an anti-tumor agent.
Exposure to ambient fine air particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution may pose an adverse health hazard risk to infants and children. The under-5 mortality rate serves as an estimate of probability that a child might die between birth and age of five following exposure. This rate has been used by the United Nations as a prime indicator of exposure when setting and evaluating sustainable development goals (SDGs). These particular SDGs targets were set to avoid preventable deaths in this age group. Few investigators examined the relationship between post-birth exposure to PM2.5 and under-5 mortality. To examine this association, the mean annual PM2.5 levels of 65 municipal districts were measured in Taiwan from 2013 to 2022 and then divided into tertiles. The under-5 mortality rates per 1000 live births included the following parameters PM2.5 levels, urbanization, physician density, and mean annual household income. Weighted-multiple linear regression was used to compute the adjusted risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Data demonstrated that children living in districts with the highest PM2.5 levels to be at significantly increased risk of mortality at under-5, with adjusted RR (95% CI) calculated at 1.12 (1.02-1,23) for those residing in municipalities with mean PM2.5 between 23.7 and 27.49 ug/m3 compared to those living in districts with the lowest PM2.5 levels. An increase a 0.7% in under-5 child mortality per each 1 ug/m3 rise in PM2.5, suggested long-term exposure to PM2.5 enhances the risk of mortality under-5 children in Taiwan.
Recent expansion of the use of electronic cigarettes (eCig) as a nicotine substitute for tobacco products has raised concerns regarding whether eCig vaping might adversely contribute to the body burden of heavy metals. Epidemiological studies found higher levels of cadmium (Cd) in blood and urine in association with eCig use, although this outcome is not consistent across all investigations. In this study, a biokinetic model was used to predict the relative contributions of diet and eCig vaping to renal and urinary Cd levels. The biokinetic model predicted that, for a median eCig exposure scenario, renal cortex Cd increased by 0.2 μg Cd/g and urine Cd rose by 0.004 μg Cd/g creatinine (Cr), a 5.6% elevation above the levels predicted for diet alone. For a 95th percentile eCig exposure, the rise was 2.2 μg Cd/g renal cortex and urine Cd increased by 0.04 μg Cd/g Cr, a 35% elevation above the level predicted for diet alone. The predicted increases in urine Cd attributed to eCig vaping were consistent with epidemiologic-based estimates of the impact of eCig use on urinary Cd levels, providing further support for eCig vaping constituting a potential contributor to the Cd body burden.
Vochysia divergens (Vochysiaceae), present in the flooded fields of Pantanal in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, is traditionally used to treat infections. However, studies on the toxicological safety of using the stem bark of this vegetable are lacking. This study aimed to investigate acute oral toxicity using rats, genotoxicity utilizing mice, and toxicity to non-vertebrate animals, the insect Galleria mellonella and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans following exposure to V. divergens stem bark ethanolic extract (VDSE). In addition, phytochemical analyses were performed using HPLC-PDA, and the total triterpene content in VDSE was determined. At 2000 mg/kg, VDSE did not induce acute toxicity. In mice treated with different VDSE doses (500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg), no chromosomal damages or altered ratios of polychromatic erythrocytes to total erythrocytes were noted. VDSE also did not induce toxicity to G. mellonela and C. elegans as evidenced by 100% survival. The extract contained a total triterpene content of 780 mg g (39%). Since VDSE exerts a beneficial role in treating infections, it is essential to determine the risks associated with consuming these plant species to establish safety. Consequently, the present results expand knowledge regarding VDSE chemical quality control and safety.
Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), particularly colitis, remain a major health burden due to the limitations of current therapies, including adverse effects and diminishing efficacy. Artemisia herba-alba (A. herba-alba), a medicinal plant traditionally used in North Africa and the Middle East, holds promise as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. However, the efficacy of A. herba-alba against chronic colitis is underexplored. The aim of this study was to undertake a comprehensive investigation combining phytochemical analysis, ADMET predictions, toxicity assessment, and in vivo evaluation. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) detected 5 major bioactive compounds: nicotinic acid, gallic acid, rutin, catechin, and caffeic acid. ADMET profiling using SwissADME, ADMET-AI, and ProTox-II indicated favorable pharmacokinetic properties and low predicted toxicity (LD₅₀ >2000 mg/kg). A 30-day subchronic toxicity study in mice treated with up to 1000 mg/kg of extract confirmed its safety, with no mortality, behavioral changes, or organ abnormalities. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in a carrageenan-induced subchronic colitis murine model. Oral administration of A. herba-alba extract (500 mg/kg) significantly alleviated colitis, preserving colon length and improving mucosal architecture. Histological analysis revealed reduced crypt damage and inflammatory cell infiltration. Taken together, these results confirm the favorable safety profile and beneficial therapeutic potential of A. herba-alba, supporting its development as a multi-targeted, natural treatment for chronic colitis.
