Studies on the toxic effect of various pharmaceutical preparations obtained from Hamamelis virginiana

Abstract

Hamamelis virginiana L. (witch-hazel) is a shrub from Hamamelidaceae family cultivated in Europe for medical purposes. Due to its high tannins content (gallotannins, polycatechins, non-esterified gallic acid, procyanidins), flavonosides and safrole-rich volatile oil, Hamamelidis folium and Hamamelidis cortex extracts are part of many pharmaceutical products for internal and external use. Aqua Hamamelidis is one of the favourite preparations in cosmetics and dentistry. The experiment presented in this study focuses on monitoring the hepatotoxic effects of pharmaceutical products and aqueous extractive solutions from Hamamelidis folium and Hamamelidis cortex. The trial was conducted on four groups of Wistar rats, to which various pharmaceutical preparations from vegetal products of Hamamelis were administered internally. At the end of the four weeks trial, it was noticed that the biochemical parameters important for the hepatic function and integrity were modified. The hepatotoxic effects are particularly important for the preparations obtained from Hamamelidis cortex.