Acute and sub-chronic toxicity study of the mixture of Calotropis procera (Ait). R. Br. (Apocynaceae) and Zanthozylum zanthozyloïdes Lam. (Rutaceae) roots bark powder

Abstract

In Burkina Faso, sickle cell syndromes affect 8.42% of hospital patients. For the management of sickle cell anemia, a phytomedicine called FACA® capsules based on a mixture of roots barks powdered from Calotropis procera and Zanthozylum zanthozyloïdes has been developed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of this mixture. Toxicity studies were conducted according to OECD guidelines on Wistar rats. The acute toxicity test estimated the LD50 to be 5000 mg/kg body weight. The subchronic toxicity study showed a significant dose-dependent decrease in food consumption; and the body weight gain of the treated rats. Biochemical analysis showed a significant decrease in the level of serum total protein and cholesterol and an increase of ALT and blood sugar levels at 500 and 1000 mg/kg. A significant decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin have been observed at 1000 mg/kg. Histopathological examination of the organs shows atrophy of the muscle wall and destruction of the epithelial surface of the stomach at 1000 mg/kg body weight. Based on these results, this mixture does not exhibit acute oral toxicity and could be well tolerated at therapeutic doses (17.5 mg/kg).