The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2025; 14(3):155-164 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2025.14305

Research Article

Safety assessment of aqueous and ethanol extract of Spondias mombin leaf: Biochemical and histopathological study

Eluehike N¹ , Ikponmwosa Eweka¹ , Onoagbe IO¹

Eluehike N,Ikponmwosa Eweka,Onoagbe IO

1. Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 29th March, 2025 / Accepted: 12th June, 2025 / Published : 31st July, 2025

Abstract

Background: Spondias mombin leaf is a medicinal plant used in the treatment and management of various disease conditions. However, there are limited reports on its toxicity effects. Objectives: This present study evaluated the acute and sub chronic toxicity effects of aqueous and ethanol extract of Spondias mombin leaves. Materials and Methods: For the first phase of the acute toxicity study, 18 male wistar rats grouped into three were administered single doses of 10, 100 and 1000 mg/kg body weights of the extracts respectively, they were observed for 24 h for signs of toxicity. In the second phase, six rats were grouped into three consisting of one rat each and they received extracts of doses 1600, 2900 and 5000 mg/kg body weight orally then observed for 24 h for behavioral changes as well as mortality.  For the sub chronic studies 60 male wistar rats arranged into six groups each for both extracts consisting of the control group and the varying doses (200, 500, 1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight) groups. They were administered extracts for 28 days. Blood samples collected were used to determine the hepatic, renal, cardiac and hematological changes. Also, histopathological analysis was determined on the liver, heart and kidneys of the animals. Results: The result of acute toxicity study revealed no mortality neither was any physiological or behavioral changes observed. Sub chronic studies showed non-significant changes in the renal and cardiac parameters, significant (p≤0.05) increase in the red blood cell, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration at the higher doses treated with both extracts and significant alterations of some hepatic parameters at the lower doses. Mild to normal histological changes were observed in the liver, heart and kidney tissues of the extracts treated rats. Conclusion: The study has therefore shown that aqueous and ethanol extracts of Spondias mombin leaf orally did not cause abnormal alterations in the blood parameters but resulted in slight histological alterations to the tissues; as a result, care must be used while using this plant's extracts.