Phytochemical Screening and Toxicological Evaluation of Sargassum wightii Greville in Wistar Rats

The present study was conducted to identify the phytoconstituents present in different extracts of Sargassum wightii and to assess the toxicity of its ethanol extract.

Successive solvent extraction and total ethanol extraction of S. wightii were performed and preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out. The acute toxicity of ethanol extract of S. wightii (ESW) was studied. The subchronic toxicity of ESW was tested with doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. The animals were observed for changes in body weight and food and water intake. At the end of the study, the relative weights of vital organs were noted, followed by histopathological examinations. Various hematological and biochemical estimations were also carried out.

Phytochemical screening of S. wightii revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, phenolic compounds, and tannins. ESW did not induce any mortality or pre-terminal death in the acute toxicity study. There were no significant differences in body weight, relative weight of vital organs (except the brain), or food or water intake compared to the control group. The histopathological examination showed normal architecture, suggesting absence of pathological lesions. Hematological and biochemical parameters were also comparable to those of the control group except for reductions in glucose and cholesterol levels, which are postulated to be beneficial.

The presence of various phytoconstituents in S. wightii is evidence that it could be a potential source for treating different ailments. No significant toxic effects were observed after treatment with ESW. Thus, it is proposed to be safe and can be recommended for long-term treatment.