28-Day Repeated Dose Toxicity and Toxicokinetics Study on Dihydroartemisinin in SD Rats

The study evaluated the potential toxicity of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in SD rats over a 28-day period, with doses of 0, 25, 50, and 75/60 mg/kg body weight per day, followed by a 4-week recovery period. Female rats in the high-dose group (75/60 mg/kg) and male rats in the high-dose group exhibited significant toxic effects, including weight loss, hair loss, and gastrointestinal issues. Female rats showed a greater toxic response than males, with increased liver weights and altered blood parameters. The liver was identified as the primary target organ for toxicity. The toxic effects were reversed after the recovery period. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) was determined to be 25 mg/kg for females and 50 mg/kg for males.