Assessment of acute and subacute toxicity of the total dichloromethane-ethanol extract of Morinda morindoides (Baker) Milne-Redh (ETDE) on rats

Abstract

Context: ETDE shown good antihypertensive and antioxidant activities in rats made hypertensive. This present study aims to assess its toxicity. Aims: This study was designed to study the toxicity of dichloromethane-ethanol extract of Morinda morindoides. Settings and Design: Toxicological activity in vivo. Methods and Material: Alkaloids were characterized from reagents of Bouchardat, flavonoids by reacting the cyanidrine, tannins by the reagent Stiasny, polyphenols by reacting ferric chloride, quinones by the reagent Bornstraëgen, sterols and polyterpenes by the reaction of Libermann and saponins by observing the foam after agitation of the extract. Acute and subacute toxicity were studied using respectively 423 and 407 OECD guidelines for testing of chemicals. Statistical analysis used: The graphical representation of the data was performed using the Graph Pad Prism 5.0. The mean value is accompanied by the standard error of the mean (Mean ± SEM). The difference between the two values is considered significant when P<0.001. Statistical analysis of results was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The phytochemical screening showed the presence in the ETDE of polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols and polyterpenes. The toxicological study shows that ETDE has a LD50 between 2000 and 5000 mg/kg bw therefore classified in the hazard category 5. The administration of ETDE at repeated dose for 28 days did not significantly affect the weight gain, hematological and biochemical parameters of rats. Conclusion: ETDE toxicity is relatively low with LD50 between 2000 and 5000 mg/kg bw. It does not cause damage to the heart, liver and kidney. ETDE can be used without risk of intoxication.