Toxicological and histopathological effects of Dennettia tripetala seed used as grain protectant, food, and medicine

Abstract

The study revealed the safety of Dennettia tripetala seed on man and the environment. Adult male rats weighing 0.158-0.168 kg housed in standard cages with free access to food and water were used for the experiments. The median lethal dose (LD50) was estimated using revised up and down procedure. The LD50 for D. tripetala seed extract was 5785 mg/kg and this evoked paralysis in rats for 4 days coupled with discharge from the eyes and eventual death. The least weight gain by the animals administered 75% seed powder of D. tripetala (4338.75 mg/kg) was an index of high powder concentration, whereas the weight loss experienced by group V animals is strongly attributed to chemical assault by permethrin designated as a standard insecticide. The high values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and urea in the groups administered 75% permethrin powder (4338.75 mg/kg) and 75% D. tripetala seed powder is an index of liver and kidney injury and dysfunction. The presence of normal serum levels of ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine; normal liver and kidney structures; and normal weight gains in the animal groups fed basal diet (control) and basal diet plus 25% D. tripetala is a strong indication that 25% D. tripetala seed powder (1446.25 mg/kg) supplementation is not toxic to the liver and kidney and therefore supports normal organ functions. The LD50 recorded strongly indicates that D. tripetala has a moderately high safety margin. Supplementation of less than 50% (2892.5 mg/kg) is recommended in the safe use of the plant material as grain protectant, food, and medicine. The botanical insecticide, D. tripetala, is safer than the conventional synthetic insecticide, permethrin, on account of the latter showing evidence of kidney damage.