ACUTE TOXICITY OF AQUEOUS AND ETHANOL EXTRACTS OF DIALIUM GUINEENSE STEM BARK
The results of this study suggest that aqueous and ethanol extracts of D. guineense stem bark are not toxic at doses not exceeding 5000 mg/kg bwt.
Abstract
Background and objective: The safety of plant-derived bioactive compounds has become a global concern. The present study investigated the acute toxicity of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Dialium guineense stem bark using Wistar rats. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (n = 13) weighing 150 – 180 g (mean weight = 165 ± 15 g) were used for this study. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of the plant stem bark were obtained using cold maceration method. Lorke method was used to determine oral LD50 of the extracts. Signs of toxicity and possible death of rats were also monitored for twenty-four (24) h. Results: The major signs of toxicity observed within 24 h were: difficulty in breathing, loss of appetite and general weakness. No deaths were recorded in both phases and all the animals in each phytochemical group survived. The oral LD50 of aqueous and ethanol extracts of D. guineense were greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight (bwt). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that aqueous and ethanol extracts of D. guineense stem bark are not toxic at doses not exceeding 5000 mg/kg bwt.