The Effect of Borage (Echium amoenum) on the Mouse Heart and Hematology Parameters.

BACKGROUND: There has been considerable interest in the potential health benefits of borage. Little information is available regarding the safety of this plant. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of borage on the mouse heart.

METHODS: Different amounts of borage extract were injected in mice. The mice were randomly divided into 4 groups including group1 (Control group without injection), group2, 3 and 4 that received 12.5 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg respectively for 28 days. Oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation, total glutathione groups assay and cupric assay) and biochemical (Creatine kinase activity and total cholesterol) and hematology parameters were evaluated. Furthermore, histopathology study was carried out on heart tissues.

RESULTS: We found that there was no significant difference in oxidative stress parameters and biochemical parameters between the control group and the groups that received different amounts of borage extract. There were also no changes in histopathology study. In blood parameters, the level of erythrocytes, hematocrit and hemoglobin decreased to 50mg/kg, whereas the level of MCH and MCV decreased in high doses.

CONCLUSION: This article suggested that borage did not cause significant damage to the heart tissue in mice model. In hematology factors, significant changes were observed in erythrocytes and related parameters. Therefore, hematotoxicity of consumption this plant should be considered at high doses.