Assessment of acute and sub-acute toxicity of ethanol extract of Pseudocedrela kotschyi leaf in Wistar rats

Abstract

Pseudocedrela kotschyi (meliaceae) is widely used in African traditional medicine for the management of malaria, pains, diabetes, convulsion and bacterial infection. The present study evaluates the acute and sub-acute toxicity effects of P. kotschyi in Wistar rats. In the acute toxic study, the leaf extract was administered to rats orally up to 5 g/kg in divided doses. The animals were then observed for signs of toxicity and mortality for 7 days. In sub-acute toxicity study, rats were orally treated daily with the extract at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg for 28 days. The control rats were given distilled water and all animals were weighed at 7 days interval. The haematological, biochemical parameters and vital organs were determined. The leaf extract was practically non-toxic showing no mortality and visible signs of toxicity on acute exposure. The extract showed a significant increase in the body weight of rats given 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. The extract did not produce a significant effect on haematological indices except a significant increase in platelet count. Biochemical parameters were not significantly changed in the study while triglycerides showed a significant increase. The weight of the heart, kidneys and spleen were not significantly affected but significant changes were observed in the weight of the lungs and liver.

Findings in this study revealed that P. kotschyi is safe when administered orally, further investigation is needed to ascertain its effect on long-term administration.