Toxic effect of methanolic leaf extract of Vitex simplicifolia on liver and kidney function in Wistar rats

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the hepato-renal toxicological indices following 21 days administration of methanolic leaf extract of Vitex simplicifolia in Wistar rats.

Methods: Acute toxicity studies with very high concentrations of the crude extract was carried out followed by sub chronic toxicities studies involving administration of 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg body weight of the methanolic extract to the experimental animals for 21 days. Liver and Kidney toxicological indices were evaluated from the serum as well as the tissues of the experimental animals after the 21 days period of administration.

Results: The result of acute toxicity studies indicate that this extract is well tolerated at doses as high as 5000mg/kg body weight. The results of sub-chronic toxicity studies indicate that there was a significant increase in the activities of ALT and ALP while AST activities was lower compared to the control. Unconjugated bilirubin levels were also significantly (P<0.05) higher in the test groups compared to the control. Similarly, the result of kidney toxicological indices showed that the levels of urea, Na+, HCO3^2- and Clwere significantly higher in the test animals compared to the control while K+ and creatine levels showed no significant change in the extract administered groups compared to the control. Histopathology examination of the liver and kidneys showed mild hepatic damage at the highest dose (1000mg/kg body weight).

Conclusion: These observations shows that care should be taken when using the methanolic extract of Vitex simplicifolia as a phytoremedy against any ailments as high concentrations of the extract may induce moderate injury to the liver.