Morphologic assessment of integument and stomach of Sprague-Dawley rats administered Acalypha wilkesiana leaf extracts via mixed-routes of exposure

Abstract

Background: Acalypha wilkesiana family (Euphobiaceae), common name (copperleaf), leaf’s juice is robbed on fungal skin infections while oral consumption mitigates stomach disorder claimed by traditionalists. However, there are little or no scientific information in support of these claims.

Aim: This study assessed integument and stomach morphology of rats after a sub-chronic exposure to A. wilkesiana leaf extract by mixed-routes of administration.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-five (25) Sprague-Dawley rats, both sexes, mean weight (204.34g) assigned (n=5) labeled (A-E) and polypropylene caged with coconut husks as bedding. Animals were housed in a well-ventilated, neat and hygienic environment, adaptation (14days); temperature (23-25.5°C), humidity (55-60%), and periodicity (12:12hr) while water and feeds were provided regularly. Plant material was identified, authenticated and extracted conventionally. Grouping/administration (A=100mg/kg, B=200mg/kg, C=300mg/kg, D=400mg/kg body weight and E=untreated). Animals were treated via mixed-routes of administration orally (mornings) and subcutaneously (evenings) for 45days at 2days interval. Stool dropping was collected and investigated for fecal occult blood test using guaiac slide kits. Acute toxicity testing was done using an entirely new method. Empirical and physical measurements were conducted before and after extract administration. At the end, all animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Skin and stomach were excised, grossed, fixed and preserved in 10% formalin. Cut tissues (3-5mm) were processed histologically, sectioned (3-5microns), stained (H&E) and examined microscopically. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 25.0. Groups were compared using ANOVA and presented as Mean ± S.E.M. while p-value≤0.05 were significant.

Results: Morphologically (gross/histology), adverse changes were not observed, though, rats presented with varying degrees of weight losses particularly marked in group E.

Conclusions And Recommendations: This study suggests that A. wilkesiana leaf extract administered via mixed-routes do not have harmful effects on the morphology of target organs, thereby validating the existing safety claims by herbal practitioners.

Keywords: Acalypha wilkesiana; Adverse effects; Copperleaf & Safe dose