Toxicological evaluation of aqueous extract of lauridia tetragona (L.F.) R.H. archer leaf in wistar rats

Abstract

Background and Objective: Medicinal plants are used in the treatment and management of various diseases. The usage of herbs and their formulations have witnessed progressive increase among the populace especially in the rural areas because of the notion that these products are safe and free from undesirable side effects. This study was aimed at evaluating the toxicological potential of aqueous extract of Lauridia tetragona leaf in Wistar rats. Methodology: The acute toxicity test was performed with single oral administration of 5000 mg kg-1 b.wt., of L. tetragona extract to rats and the animals were observed for 14 days for signs of toxicity. This was followed by subacute toxicity experiment conducted by oral administration of graded doses (50, 100 and 200 mg kg-1) of L. tetragona extract daily for 28 days. Behavioural changes as well as haematological, biochemical and histological parameters were then evaluated. Data were analysed using two-way ANOVA with the aid of GraphPad Prism software. Results: Results revealed significant reduction (p<0.05) in the feed intake, serum glucose, lymphocytes and platelet levels of extract treated rats compared to the control. There were also some alterations in the liver and kidney function parameters. However, there were no treatment related differences in the histopathological evaluations. Conclusion: It can be concluded that administration of aqueous extract of L. tetragona may be safe at the dosages tested in this study but its continuous usage can cause anorexia.