Acute Toxicity Test of Pigeon Pea Leaves Extract (Cajanus cajan) in Rats

Abstract

Acute toxicity test was conducted to evaluate the safety level of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) leaves extract, using the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD 423) guideline method. The pigeon pea leaves were extracted using 96%ethanol as a solvent. A total of 9 male rats were used divided into 3 groups: 1 control group and 2 treatment groups. The rat in control group (group 1) received a single dose of distilled water while the rat in groups 2 and 3 received a single dose of pigeon pea leaves extract at doses of 300 mg/kg BW and 2000 mg/kg BW, respectively. The aquadest and extract suspension were administered orally using rat stomach tubedos. Mortality and clinical signs were examined in the first 4 hours (critical time), 24 hours, and 14 days after the treatments. The result revealed that the LD50 values of the extract was estimated at more than 5000 mg/kg BW and classified as practically nontoxic.