Acute and subchronic toxicity studies of ethanol extract of Terminalia macroptera stem bark in wistar albino rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the toxicity of ethanolic extract of Terminalia macroptera stem bark in female albino rats. Acute toxicity was determined by the Lorke Method while subchronic toxicity was determined by assessing some indicators of organ functions as well as lipid peroxidation levels after administering extract (50 - 1200 mg/kg) for 28 days. The extract exhibited LD₅₀ > 5000 mg/kg. Subchronic  investigation revealed slight cytolysis of hepatocytes but no significant effect on the hepatobiliary system. The synthetic role of the liver remained intact except in 400 - 1000 mg/kg dosed groups. Stable cardiological and nephrological states were indicated by heart and kidney function parameters respectively while malondialdehyde concentration was significantly elevated only in 200 mg/kg body weight dosed group when compared with control group. No distortions in liver tissue architecture were however observed. The study showed that extract from the stem bark of Terminalia macroptera is safe for consumption in rats but caution must be given to long-term repeated administration.

Keywords: Terminalia macroptera, acute toxicity, subchronic toxicity