Determination of median lethal dose of ethanolic extract of Sesamum Indicum seeds in adult wistar rats

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the median lethal dose of sesamum indicum seeds in Wistar rats. Methods: Twelve Wistar rats within the ages of five to six weeks and of weights, ranging from (98-160) g of both sexes were used for the experiment. They were categorized into two phases of I and II. Phase I consisted three (3) groups of three (3) animals each. While phase II consisted three (3) groups of one (1) animal each. The phase I group was orogastrically intubated with (10, 100 and 1000) mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of sesamum indicum seeds respectively with the aid of a 2ml syringe with an intubation needle of size 24 mounted on it. The animals in phase II were similarly administered 1600, 2900 and 5000mg/kg body weights of the extract respectively and observed for one hour and ten minutes after every two hours for twenty four hours. Result: No mortality or any physical signs of toxicity were observed in any of the groups. Conclusion: The LD50 of ethanolic extract of sesamum indicum seeds is above 5000mg/kg body weight in adult Wistar rats.