Phytochemicals and acute toxicity profile of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Crateva adansonii leaves in swiss albino rats

Abstract

Acute toxicity and phytochemical studies of aqueous and methanolic leaf extract of Crateva adansonii were investigated. The phytochemical screening and acute toxicity studies were conducted using standard procedure and methods. The weights of the rat were monitored before and after the experiment. The phytochemical analyses of the aqueous and methanolic leaf extract of Crateva adansonii leaf showed the presence of alkaloids tannins, flavonoids, saponins cardiac glycoside and steroids in both aqueous and methanolic leaf extract of Crateva adansonii. Phlobatannins were absent in aqueous but present in methanolic leaf extract of Crateva adansonii, while anthraquinones were not detected. The results of the weight changes show that there is no statistically significant (p>0.05) difference in weight gain or weight loss of rat administered with aqueous and methanolic leaf extract of Crateva adansonii as compared with the control group and the LD 50 of the aqueous and methanolic leaf extract in rat was found to be greater than 5000 mg kg -1 body weight. It is concluded that Crateva adansonii contain active phytochemicals of therapeutic potential and that the extract is safe for clinical application.