Phytochemical and acute toxicity studies on the ethanol roots extract of Gardenia sokotensis

Abstract

Phytochemical study on the crude extract of the roots Gardenia sokotensis revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins and steroids and very little or no tannin, and flavonoid, content. The acute toxicity study carried out revealed complete absence of any clinical or beahavioural changes that could be suggestive of toxicity in any of the animals in groups A, B and C following treatment with the crude extract of the roots of the plant. However, depression, weakness and loss of appetite as evidences of toxicity in the first 5hrs were observed in groups D and E animals that were treated with higher doses of the extract. All the animals (Groups D and E) treated with the higher doses of the crude extract of the roots of the plant eventually died 40 – 96 hours post-administration. The LD50 of the Gardenia sokotensis root extract was found to be 2400mg/kg body weight when orally administered in rabbits.