Toxicological Research

Korean Society of Toxicology & Korea Environmental Mutagen Society (한국독성학회)
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Phytochemical and toxicological evaluations of Prosopis africana (GUILL. and PERR.) extract on albino wistar rats

  • Obode, Okukwe Christa (Department of Biochemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University) ;
  • Adebayo, Abiodun Humphrey (Department of Biochemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University) ;
  • Li, Chunyang (Institute of Agro-Products Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences)
  • Received : 2020.03.13
  • Accepted : 2020.05.25
  • Published : 2021.04.15
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Abstract

In this study, we investigated the phytochemical and toxicological impacts of the ethanol leaf extract of Prosopis africana in albino rats. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was done using established methods. Acute and 28-day sub-chronic toxicity evaluations of the extract were carried out in wistar rats. Five groups made up of 8 rats per group were used and treated with 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg b.wt. respectively; while the control group received 1 ml of 10% Tween-20 solution. Phytochemicals detected include tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, anthocyanin, quinones, terpenoids and steroids. There were no signs of toxicity in the acute toxicity study neither was any death recorded. Weight loss and death were recorded after 18 days of treatment in groups treated with 1500 and 2000 mg/kg b.wt. No significant alteration of haematological parameters was observed, however increased WBC count was recorded. Liver and kidney function parameters were significantly (p<0.05) reduced, while significant (p<0.05) increase in triglycerides with lowered cholesterol was seen when compared with the control group. Histological evaluations of the liver, kidney, heart and testicular tissues revealed normal sections in majority of the animals; however, mild vascular congestions were observed at random doses (liver and heart at 1500 mg/kg b.wt.; kidney at 500 mg/kg b.wt.). Our study shows that ethanol leaf extract of P. africana would probably not cause significant toxic effects as indicated by haematological and biochemical parameters. However, there may be need to apply caution in its use at high doses given that death occurred at 1500 mg/kg b.wt. during the repeat-dose toxicity study.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors do acknowledge the support of the technical staff at the Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, Ota for their technical assistance. The effort of the Covenant University Centre for Research, Innovation and Discovery is quite appreciated for paying the cost of publication.

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