In vivo toxicity study of Dittrichia viscosa (L.) greuter fractions: evidence of safety for oral and dermal applications

Dittrichia viscosa (L.) is widely recognized in alternative medicine in the Mediterranean area for its therapeutic purposes. This study evaluates the acute and subacute toxicity of polar and non-polar extracts of D. viscosa when administered orally or applied topically. Toxicity tests were conducted at a dose of 2000 mg/kg on Wistar rats over 14 days for acute toxicity and 28 days for subacute toxicity. Parameters assessed included body weight, behavioral observations, hematological analysis, serum biochemistry, and histopathological examinations. No significant toxic effects were observed after a single administration of 2000 mg/kg of D. viscosa extracts. Furthermore, during the 28-day sub-acute toxicity study, daily doses of 2000 mg/kg were well-tolerated without inducing mortality, clinical signs of toxicity, or significant changes in behavior, body weight, or physiological status in either male or female rats. Hematological parameters remained stable, and there were no disruptions in liver function enzymes, glucose, or creatinine levels, confirming normal hepatic and renal function. These findings suggest that D. viscosa extracts are non-toxic and safe for oral and dermal use.