Subchronic Oral Toxicity of the Aqueous Leaf Extract of AnogeissusLeiocarpus on Albino Rats

Abstract

Background/Purpose:- Natural products are the cornerstone of healthcare delivery in many poorresource countries like Nigeria. However, they pose great potentials for systemic toxicity which should be identified and avoided or at least minimized. Method:- The effect of Anogeissusleiocarpus leaves was tested on the haematological parameters and some isolated organ morphology of rats following subchronic oral feeding of the rats with the aqueous extract for between 7-28 days. Result:- The plant decreased (p<0.05) platelet counts at all doses in the first 7 days of treatment. After 14-day treatment, changes in WBCs, RBCs, PCV and Hb were not significant (P>0.1). However, following 28 days of treatment, RBCs, PCV and Hb increased (p<0.05) while changes in other parameters were not significant. There was no significant effect on kidney, liver and heart except a decrease (p<0.05) in dry weights of the isolated organs at 300mg/kg following 28-day treatment. There was no visible histopathologicchangs in the isolated organs sectioned. Conclusion: - Anogeissusleiocarpus leave extract caused fluctuating dose-independent changes in blood parameters and isolated organ weights. It is substantially non-toxic as the observed changes were not significant to preclude its use.