Exploring In Vitro and In Vivo Toxicological Profiles of Methanolic Extract of Evolvulus Nummularius Linn

The methanolic leaf extract of the plant Evolvulus nummularius Linn, belonging to the Convolvulaceae family was evaluated for its in vitro in HepG2 cells against Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and in vivo toxicity potential. The present study aimed to explore in vitro cell line screening using HepG2 cells induced with 0.5 mM FFA (0.17 mM palmitic acid + 0.33 mM oleic acid) for fatty liver. The fatty liver in this study was tested by MTT assay, Oil Red O staining, and Nile Red Staining techniques. The in vivo toxicological study was carried out using acute and subacute toxicity experiments following OECD principles 425 and 407, respectively, on rats. Cell line screening performed on HepG2 cells, and cytotoxicity examination revealed no toxicity up to 1000 µg/mL, with no evidence of cell death found. A concentration up to 300 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL of MEEN using ORO Staining and Nile Red Staining,  respectively, on HepG2 cells does not pose any threat to the liver cells. Compared to the control group, there were no differences in behaviour, body weight, hematological, biochemical parameters, or histological changes up to 2000 mg/kg. The methanolic leaf extract of Evolvulus nummularius showed no obvious cytotoxicity or toxicity, proving its safety for hepatoprotection and can be beneficial in the treatment of NAFLD.