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Related Experiment Videos

Rhamnus cathartica (buckthorn) hepatocellular toxicity in mice

C A Lichtensteiger1, N A Johnston, V R Beasley

  • 1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 61802, USA.

Toxicologic Pathology
|November 5, 1997
PubMed
Summary

Rhamnus cathartica ingestion caused liver glycogen accumulation in mice, indicating potential toxicity. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism and long-term effects of this plant on animal health.

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Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Plant Science
  • Veterinary Medicine

Background:

  • Rhamnus cathartica identified as a potential cause of idiopathic neurologic disease in horses.
  • Karwinskia humboldtiana, a related plant, is known to be neurotoxic and cause liver damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the toxicity of Rhamnus cathartica in a mouse model.
  • To investigate the effects of R. cathartica on liver and other tissues.

Main Methods:

  • A 34-day feeding trial with mice using diets containing 0%, 5%, or 25% Rhamnus cathartica.
  • Histological examination and periodic acid-Schiff staining of major tissues.
  • Electron microscopy to analyze cellular changes.

Main Results:

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  • No clinical signs or gross lesions were observed in mice.
  • Hepatocellular swelling was noted in the livers of mice fed R. cathartica.
  • Periodic acid-Schiff staining and electron microscopy confirmed glycogen (beta particles) deposits in the cytoplasm, indicating interference with glycogen metabolism.

Conclusions:

  • Rhamnus cathartica causes glycogen accumulation in mouse livers, an uncommon toxic change.
  • Compounds in R. cathartica appear to disrupt normal glycogen metabolism.
  • Further mechanistic and chronicity studies are required to determine the full extent of hepatic injury and potential effects on other organs.