Comparative Dose Dependent Mortality and LC50 Characterization of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Momordica charantia L., and Linum usitatissimum L. Extracts in Albino Mice

Abstract

 The study of the toxic effects of medications and other chemicals, with a focus on poisoning detection, prevention, and treatment, is known as toxicology. The objective of the present research was to determine the LC50 and safety margin of solvent extracts 
from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice), Momordica charantia L. (bitter melon), and Linum usitatissimum L. (flaxseed) in albino mice to determine their toxicity and guide safe medicinal use. These therapeutic plants are used to treat gastrointestinal, metabolic, and in
flammatory conditions in particular. Each extract was given orally in increasing doses to 60 healthy albino mice weighing 35 ± 5 g. The mortality of each albino mice was examined separately. All of the extracts were given to the mice in a sequential manner: G. glabra was given at dosages of 1950, 2150, 2350, and 2550 mg/kg BW with an estimated LC₅₀ of 2350 mg/kg BW; M. charantia was given at dosages of 2500, 3000, 3500, and 4000 mg/kg BW with a calculated LC₅₀ of 3500 mg/kg BW; and flaxseed extract was administered at 
4300, 4800, 5300, and 5800 mg/kg BW with an approximate LC₅₀ of 5300 mg/kg BW. All extract shows increased mortality at higher dosages, partial mortality at middle doses, and no mortality at lower doses. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the ethanolic 
extracts of G. glabra, M. charantia, and flaxseed's safe therapeutic potential. Additionally, these results provide significant toxicological findings that can direct pharmacological research in the future and optimize dosage for therapeutic use.