Sub-acute toxicity studies on the aqueous extract of Stereospermum kunthianum (Cham, Sandrine Petit) stem bark

Abstract

Stereospermum kunthianum Cham, Sandrine Petit (Bignoniaceae) is used in traditional medicine in the treatment of various diseases including bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis, dysentery, ulcers etc. The aqueous stem bark extract of the plant was evaluated for its acute and subacute (28-day) toxicity in rats. The subacute effects of the extract (0.5, 1 and 2g/kg, p.o.) were evaluated on the following parameters, namely: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides as well as organ weight and histopathologic changes. In the acute toxicity studies, no adverse behavioural effects or mortality were observed up to a dose of 8000mg/kg. No significant changes were observed in the serum and liver enzymes (ALT and ALP) except for an increase in the serum ALT levels at the highest dose (2g/kg) of the extract. Significant increases in triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL- cholesterol levels were also recorded with the dose of 2g/kg. Increases of the organ (liver, kidney, heart and spleen) weights were produced with all doses of Stereospermum kunthianum but histological alterations of these organs were observed with only the highest dose. From the results obtained, it is concluded that Stereospermum kunthianum up to a dose of 1000mg/kg may be safe for long term treatment of various ailments.

Keywords: Stereospermum kunthianum; Subacute toxicity; Histopathology, Lipid profile