Toxicological evaluation of ethanol leaf extract of Pterocarpus santalinus on lungs, stomach, brain and hematological parameters of Wistar rats

In this study, the effects of subacute Pterocarpus santalinus (rosewood) consumption on lung, brain, stomach, and hematological parameters in Wistar rats were evaluated. Mice of both sexes were used in the experiment. Groups 2, 3, and 4 were given 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of red sandalwood, and group 1 was given distilled water (10 ml/kg). Animals were kept in standard cages for 28 days and extracts were taken orally before being weighed and sacrificed. Histological analysis was performed using the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining technique. The brain, spleen, and stomach were also carefully removed and examined histologically. RBC, HGB, and MCV decreased slightly (P < 0.05), but there was no change in neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, or platelets. No significant (P < 0.05) changes were observed in the brain, spleen, and stomach of mice in all dose groups. Lung histopathological analysis showed no difference in alveolitis and perivasculitis at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, but there were no changes in the brain and intestines. The plant is also safe to eat. Due to minor hematological effects, caution is advised with long-term use.