Sofiane Kaci; Leila Smail; Amina Boudjlidaa; Ghouti Kacimi; Aicha Belkebir; Nadjiba Hamlat & Souhila Aouichat Bouguerra
Several anticancer agents currently used in clinical settings are derived from plants, such as vinblastine and vincristine from Catharanthus roseus, and paclitaxel from Taxus brevifolia. In this context, the present study investigates the acute and subchronic toxicity of Berberis hispanica, a medicinal plant traditionally used in North Africa, particularly in the Tikjda region, for its therapeutic properties. The aim was to assess its potential toxic effects on liver and kidney function in female Mus musculus mice. The aqueous extract was prepared from the dried root bark through maceration in water, followed by filtration and concentration. Mice were randomly divided into groups and received daily oral doses of 0, 75, 375, 750, or 1500 mg/kg of extract for six weeks. Acute toxicity was evaluated based on behavioral changes and mortality within 24 hours. Subchronic toxicity was assessed through biochemical analyses of serum liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase) and renal markers (urea, creatinine, albumin), as well as histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissues. No mortality or significant behavioral changes were observed following acute administration. Subchronic exposure to the highest dose (1500 mg/kg) resulted in a 33 % mortality rate and mild histological alterations. Biochemical markers showed limited variations compared to controls, suggesting a low level of hepatorenal toxicity. These findings indicate that the aqueous extract of Berberis hispanica exhibits low acute and subchronic toxicity in mice, supporting its potential for therapeutic use, pending further pharmacological and toxicological evaluation.
KEY WORDS: Berberis hispanica; Toxicity; Liver function; Kidney function.
KACI, S.; SMAIL, L.; BOUDJLIDAA, A.; KACIMI, G.; BELKEBIR, A.; HAMLAT, N. & BOUGUERRA, S. A. Morphofunctional changes in liver and kidney tissues following acute and subchronic exposure to Berberis hispanica bark extract in mice. Int. J. Morphol., 44(1):165-174, 2026.
