American Journal of Medical and Clinical Sciences. 2018; 3(1):(19-106)


Acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity studies on methanol leaf extract of Gnetum africanum Welw in wistar rats

Nkeiruka Emmanuela Udeh, Aruh Anaga, Isaac Uzoma Asuzu

Abstract
Aim: Acute and subchronic toxicity studies were performed on Gnetum africanum Welw leaves using well-established guidelines and methods. In spite of its use as a herbal remedy, there is a dearth of data on toxicity studies of the plant extract.
Method: Gnetum africanum leaves were identified by a plant taxonomist, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted with 80% methanol for 48 hours in July 2015. The extract was concentrated in-vacuo and stored as Gnetum africanum extract (GAE) at 4°C. Thirty-five male albino rats randomly divided into seven groups (n = 5) were used for acute toxicity test, which was done in August 2015. Rats in groups 1–6 were given GAE at 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000 and 5,000 mg/kg, respectively, while group 7 rats received 10 ml/ kg distilled water. Feed and water were provided and they were observed for signs of toxicity for 48 hours. A 90-day subchronic toxicity study was conducted using 56 rats of four groups (n = 14) in December 2015–March, 2016. Group 1 received feed without GAE, while groups 2–4 were given feed with GAE at 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg respectively. Four rats from each group were bled on days 30, 60, and 90 for clinical biochemistry and sacrificed for histopathological examination.
Result: The median lethal dose (LD50) was greater than 5,000 mg/kg while no-observed- adverse-effect-level was 40 mg/kg. Serum marker enzymes and creatinine were not increased in rats given extract in feed, while there were no histopathological lesions in the organs studied.
Conclusions: The extract is safe at both the acute and subchronic levels.
Most Viewed Article
  • Double Cell-Like Objects Created from Synthetic DNA (Human Placenta) Crown Cells Using Monolaurin
    Shoshi Inooka
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24008

  • State of the Art of Anesthetic Practice for Endouterine Evacuation in the South-East of DR Congo
    Ibula S, Kalamo A, Iteke F, Bulabula M, Barhayiga B, Alumeti, Tsansya D, Cishugi R, Kalongo JJ, Pembe J, Sagboze S, Diyoyo P, Cikwanine JP, Mbusa H, Kigayi, Sengeyi D.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24007

  • An Uncommon Cause of Chest Pain from Tarlov Cysts
    Li Xian Tan, Adel Ekladious.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24006

  • Explosive onset of SLE in white male in capital of Cherokee Nation
    Caleb S. Alexander, Prashant Kaushik.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24005

  • A Rare Case of Radial Nerve Injury at the Bifurcation Managed by Inter-Positional Nerve Graft
    Oommen V Oommen
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24004

Most Downloaded
  • Double Cell-Like Objects Created from Synthetic DNA (Human Placenta) Crown Cells Using Monolaurin
    Shoshi Inooka
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24008

  • State of the Art of Anesthetic Practice for Endouterine Evacuation in the South-East of DR Congo
    Ibula S, Kalamo A, Iteke F, Bulabula M, Barhayiga B, Alumeti, Tsansya D, Cishugi R, Kalongo JJ, Pembe J, Sagboze S, Diyoyo P, Cikwanine JP, Mbusa H, Kigayi, Sengeyi D.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24007

  • An Uncommon Cause of Chest Pain from Tarlov Cysts
    Li Xian Tan, Adel Ekladious.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24006

  • Explosive onset of SLE in white male in capital of Cherokee Nation
    Caleb S. Alexander, Prashant Kaushik.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24005

  • A Rare Case of Radial Nerve Injury at the Bifurcation Managed by Inter-Positional Nerve Graft
    Oommen V Oommen
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24004