Evaluation of the biochemical, haematological and histopathological parameters of female Wistar rats fed with aqueous and ethanol extracts of Aspilia africana leaves

Abstract

Introduction: Aspilia africana is a plant commonly used to stop bleeding, heal wound, and manage various stomach complaints. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of A. africana on biochemical (liver function tests, renal function tests, and lipid profile), histopathological (kidney and liver) and haematological parameters of the female Wistar rats. Methods: To study acute toxicity, the median lethal dose (LD50) was determined by oral administration of different doses of the extract to 8 groups of 3 rats each and the animals were observed for 24 hours for signs of toxicity. To evaluate the toxicological effect of the extract, 3 groups of 5 animals each received 0.5 mL normal saline (control), 250 or 500 mg/kg of the extracts for 2 consecutive weeks. Results: Data revealed the LD50 of the extract to be >5000 mg/kg.bw. There was no significant variation in organosomatic indices of the animals fed with aqueous and ethanol extracts of A. africana leaves. In comparison with the control, there were significant increase (P< 0.05) in serum liver and kidney biomarkers, high density lipoprotein, and white blood cells while some red cells indices, platelets, some lipid profile levels reduced significantly (P< 0.05). A marked alteration in hepatic and renal architectures was also observed. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the A. africana leaves may not be safe as herbal medicine despite the outcome of LD50 acute toxicity studies. For it to be integrated in folk medicine, we recommend its use at minimal doses.