Toxicological Evaluation and Cytotoxic Potential of Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract in Experimental Models

<jats:p>This study aimed to evaluate the toxicological safety and cytotoxic potential of the ethanolic extract of Eclipta prostrata leaves (EEEP) through in vivo and in vitro experimental models. The investigation included acute and chronic oral toxicity tests in mice, a brine shrimp lethality bioassay, and an in-vitro cytotoxicity assay using HeLa cervical cancer cells. Acute toxicity was assessed at doses up to 3000 mg/kg, while chronic toxicity involved daily administration of 500 mg/kg for 150 days in Swiss-albino mice. Biochemical, hematological, and antioxidant parameters were analyzed post-treatment. Cytotoxic activity was determined using the brine shrimp lethality assay, and MTT-based assays. No mortality or toxicity symptoms were observed in either acute or chronic studies. Physiological, biochemical, and antioxidant profiles remained within normal ranges. The brine shrimp assay showed strong cytotoxic potential with LC₅₀ = 39.273 µg/ml, while in-vitro testing indicated moderate cytotoxicity against HeLa cells (IC₅₀ &gt; 1024 µg/ml). EEEP is non-toxic under experimental conditions and exhibits notable cytotoxic potential, suggesting the presence of bioactive compounds warranting further chemopreventive and anticancer investigation.</jats:p>