The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2020;9(4):265-269 ; DOI:10.31254/phyto.2020.9409
Acute and subacute toxicity evaluation of aqueous extracts of Carpobrotus edulis in Sprague Dawley rats
Toonse Nguwesu Mudimba1 , James Mbaria1 , Timothy Maitho1 , Tafadzwa Taderera2
1. Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Kenya
2. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 21st May, 2020 / Accepted: 11th July, 2020
Carpobrotus edulis is a common medicinal plant used in Southern Africa. Despite its extensive use in herbal medicine, there is no documented scientific evidence corroborating its safety. This study aims to evaluate the acute and subacute toxic effects of the aqueous extracts of Carpobrotus edulis in Sprague Dawley rats. In acute toxicity testing, three healthy female Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to Carpobrotus edulis aqueous extract per step at any of the four fixed dose levels of 300, 600, 1200 and 2000mg/Kg body weight. The Sprague Dawley rats were observed clinically for any signs of toxicity. A 28-day subacute toxicity testing was carried out on thirty-two Sprague Dawley rats grouped in four experimental groups of eight animals each. Group A received 100mg//kg of the extract, Group B received 300mg/kg while Group C received 1000mg/kg. Group D was a negative control group and received distilled water. Bodyweight, feed and water intake were measured at weekly intervals. Blood for biochemical analysis was collected on the last day of the study period. Gross pathological and histopathological examination was done on all experimental rats. There were no clinical signs suggestive of toxicity on all doses used in acute toxicity testing. The LD50 of the aqueous extract of Carpobrotus edulis was estimated to be above 2000mg/kg. On subacute toxicity testing, there were no significance differences (P
Carpobrotus edulis, Hepatotoxicity, Nephrotoxicity, Zimbabwe.
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE
Mudimba TN, Mbaria J, Maitho T, Taderera T. Acute and subacute toxicity evaluation of aqueous extracts of Carpobrotus edulis in Sprague Dawley rats. J Phytopharmacol 2020; 9(4):265-269.
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