Aim: Anemia is a globally nutritional problem and taking iron tablets regularly is recommended. Meanwhile, bay leaves are widely used for food flavoring, but only limited for anemia treatment. This study aimed to investigate the subchronic effects of bay leaves extract on body weight (BW), physical changes, and mortality in female Wistar rats with low iron diet.

Methods: Thirty female Wistar rats, aged 8-10 weeks and weighing 160-200 g, were used in this research study. They were randomly divided into 5 groups: the positive control (PC) received an AIN 93 M standard food, supplemented with 1.36 mg/100 g Fe mineral mix (low iron diet), and 3.7 mg/kg BW iron tablet, while the treatment (T1-4) groups received the low iron diet, supplemented with 300; 1.000; 2.000; and 5.000 mg/kg BW bay leaves extract respectively for 28 days. Furthermore, BW measurement was carried out in day 0, 14, and 28 and physical changes were regularly observed 5 times using a checklist. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA and repeated measures tests.

Results: The average of BW in all rat groups increased slightly except in PC group. The PC group had the highest average of BW (184.2±5.54g) on day 28 of treatment, but it was not significantly compared to other groups (p=0.123). Rats in groups C and T showed normal physical performances, somatomotor activities, and zero death.

Conclusion: Oral administrations of four doses of bay leaves extract to female Wistar rats with low iron diet showed no observed adverse effects.

Keywords: Bay leaves extract, subchronic toxicity, anemia, female wistar rats