Evaluation of the acute and sub-acute toxicity of Azanza garckeana aqueous leaves extract in wistar rats

Abstract

his study evaluated the safety profile of Goron Tula (Azanza garckeana) aqueous leaves extract (AGALE) in rats through single and 28-day oral administrations. Twenty-eight (28) adult male Wistar rats (120-160 g) were used for acute and sub-acute studies. Acute study was carried out in 2 phases using modified Lorke’s method, AGALE was administered at single doses of 10, 100 and 1,000 mg/kg (n=3) and observed for 24 h for mortality or toxicity signs, while for phase II, 4 rats (n=1) were used and respectively administered with doses of 800, 600, 400 and 200 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract and also observed for mortality and signs of toxicity. For the sub-acute study, AGALE was administered once daily for 28 days at 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg while the vehicle was administered to control (n = 4). The results revealed that mortality was recorded at 1000 mg/kg in phase I of the acute toxicity study. In phase II, mortality was recorded at 600 and 800 mg/kg doses. The LD₅₀ of AGALE in rats was determined to be 490 mg/kg b.w. The oral administration of AGALE for 28 days showed significant decrease in the levels of the electrolytes in the 50 mg/kg treated group. Histological examination of the kidney showed mild toxicity related abnormalities. There was no significant alteration in the liver function indices. Histopathology of the liver showed significant amount of immunological cells. Haematological parameters evaluated showed that there was significant increase (P < 0.05) in white blood cells, monocytes and lymphocytes. This study demonstrates that the LD₅₀ of AGALE in Wistar rats is 490 mg/kgAGALE extracts may not exert toxic effects at doses less than 150 mg/kg.