Preliminary Evaluation of Acute Toxicity and Hypoglycemic Effects of Salvia officinalis L. Extract in Healthy Male Rabbits: An Animal Model Study

Background: Salvia officinalis L. is an aromatic perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, known for its diverse pharmacological properties, including potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-diabetic activities. Despite its extensive traditional use, the specific roles of S. officinalis in glucose management and its acute toxicity profile in rabbits require further elucidation. Objective: This study provided a preliminary assessment of the acute toxicity profile and the basal glycemic effects of a methanolic extract of S. officinalis in a normoglycemic rabbit model. Methodology: Twelve adult male White rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups (n=3). Group I served as the vehicle control, while Groups II, III, and IV received single oral doses of S. officinalis extract at 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg/kg, respectively. Animals were monitored over 14 days for toxicity, mortality, and body weight, alongside repeated measurements of fasting blood glucose (FBG). Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: S. officinalis extract demonstrated dose-dependent basal glucose modulation. The repeated measures analysis revealed highly significant effects for both time and dose (P < 0.001). The 1000 mg/kg dose was identified as the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL), while the 1500 mg/kg dose was established as the Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD). At 2000 mg/kg, an observed lethal threshold was recorded with a 66.7% mortality rate. Conclusion: The preliminary findings suggest that S. officinalis extract exhibits potential dose-dependent hypoglycemic activity in normoglycemic models. However, the manifestation of systemic toxicity at higher concentrations defines a narrow therapeutic window for the extract.