Abstract
Toxicology studies the adverse effects of any agent capable of producing a deleterious response in a biological system. Such substances known as toxicants or xenobiotics can induce changes in the organism’s normal state that is irreversible, at least for a period of time. Several toxic symptoms are physically observable and are necessary to warn neighboring people about affected persons. This chapter is aimed at highlighting the physical, hematological, and histopathological signs observed upon consumption of some plants medicinally used in Africa. The value of the chapter lies not only in serving as awareness of the side effects of healing and food plants but also as an invitation to scientists to focus more on the toxicological survey of plants used throughout the continent to treat several ailments. We highlight the potential risk associated with improper use of 15 African medicinal plants, namely Abrus precatorius L. (Fabaceae), Atractylis gummifera L. (Asteraceae), Butyrospermum paradoxum (Sapotaceae), Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (Chenopodiaceae), Datura stramonium L., (Solanaceae), Manihot esculenta Crantz. (Euphorbiaceae), Nerium oleander L. (Apocynaceae), Peganum harmala L. (Pgh) (Zygophyllaceae), Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabaceae), Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae), Sacoglottis gabonensis Baill (Humiriaceae), Solanum nigrum and Solanum tuberosum L. (Solanaceae), Syzigium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae) and Tabernaemontana crassa Benth. (Apocynaceae). The toxic constituents of these plants also are highlighted and should serve as indications to identify other medicinal plants with risk of poison.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
