Pharmacognostic Evaluation and Acute Toxicity Test of the Formulated Tisane Powder of Gallant Soldier (Galinsoga parviflora Cav., Asteraceae) Aerial Parts from Benguet, Philippines

Abstract

Background: Galinsoga parviflora is a medicinal plant traditionally used to manage and treat various health conditions though the dearth of its scientific report on its pharmacognostic and safety profile remains. Objective: This study is designed to delineate the pharmacognostic and safety parameters of G. parviflora to ensure its authenticity, purity, quality, and safety. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative analysis, including physicochemical evaluation, macroscopic and microscopic characterization, phytochemical screening, and acute toxicity test, were carried out to establish the plant’s diagnostic features and safety needed for its identification and standardization. For the Acute toxicity test, male and female rats were orally administered with aqueous extract at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg (n=5/sex) and 5000 mg/kg (n=3/sex). All experimental animals were critically observed individually for overt signs and symptoms of toxicity, behavioral changes, body weight changes, and mortality for 14 days. Results: The physicochemical characterization, macroscopic evaluation, morphometric determination, surface tissue examination, and powder analysis of the intact and powdered drug material revealed key diagnostic features and properties based on the stem, leaf, flower architecture, and pharmaceutical properties. The aqueous extract primarily contains alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, phytosterols, and tannins as its phytoconstituents. During the acute toxicity test, no toxicological response and mortality were observed on both doses. Conclusion: The present study provides vital architectural features and chemical characteristics of G. parviflora essential for establishing pharmacopoeial standards, especially in plantbased medicine. Additionally, the aqueous extract's oral dose of up to 5000 mg/kg is relatively safe as no significant evidence of treatment-related toxicity and mortality is seen. Key Words: Acute toxicity, Microscopic, Physicochemical, Phytochemical, Standardization