Acute and subchronic oral toxicity assessment of the aqueous extract from the stem bark of Garcinia lucida Vesque (Clusiaceae) in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Garcinia lucida is mostly used in Cameroon as a medicinal plant. In a previous study, we showed that the aqueous extract from the stem bark of Garcinia lucida possesses nephroprotective and antihypertensive effects. However, knowledge about its toxicity is lacking. This study was undertaken to evaluate the acute and subchronic oral toxicity of the aqueous extract of Garcinia lucida stem bark in Wistar rats. In acute toxicity study, a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg of aqueous extract was administered to young female rats and observed for 48 hours for mortality and any toxicity manifestations. General behavior, adverse effects and mortality were determined for up to 7 days post treatment. In subchronic toxicity study, the extract was administered daily to rats of both sexes at doses of 150, 300, or 600 mg/kg body weight for 28 consecutive days. Body weight, water, and food intake were evaluated weekly. At the end of the treatment, hematological parameters and serum hepatic and renal biochemical parameters were evaluated. Liver and kidney were examined histologically for any signs of organ damage. The results showed that no change in the general behavior, body weight, relative organ weight, or mortality was observed in the tested groups. The lethal dose 50 (LD50) was estimated higher than 5000 mg/kg. In subchronic toxicity, no change in biochemical parameters was observed except for serum urea and high-density lipoprotein, whose levels were significantly increased (p < 0.01) in males at the dose of 600 mg/kg, while urea and creatinine significantly reduced in females (p < 0.01). Hematological parameters such as hemoglobin were significantly reduced in groups treated with Garcinia lucida extract as compared to control. Histological analysis of the kidney and liver did not show any structural alteration. Aqueous extract of Garcinia lucida did not show major signs of toxicity. Hence, the aqueous extract of Garcinia lucida stem bark did not produce adverse side effects in rats after oral acute and subchronic toxicity.