Abstract
The study focused on evaluating the toxicity profile of the methanol stem bark extract of Cadaba farinose (Forssk), considering possibilities of adverse effects arising from continual use of herbal plants especially in the management of long-term conditions. Cadaba farinosa is a slender shrub plant widely used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases such as diabetes mellitus, inflammations, rheumatic pains and various infections including skin and intestine both in Africa and India. The acute toxicity study and sub-acute toxicity studies were carried out in Wistar rats using Lorkes Method (1983) and the OECD Guidelines 425. For the sub-acute toxicity studies, twenty rats weighing between 120 and 170g were randomly grouped into 4 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 (control) received 10ml/kg of distilled water and the others received doses of 40, 200 and 1000mg/kg p.o of extract for 28 days. The acute toxicity revealed no mortality or behavioural signs of toxicity in both phases up to 5000mg/kg. The haematological indices revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in the WBC count, MCV and PLT of the groups that received 1000mg/kg of the extract after treatment for 28 days. The liver function test showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in AST and ALT. Renal indices showed a significant decrease in creatinine and a significant increase (p<0.05) in plasma Na+, K+ and Cl- ion concentration across the groups. Histopathological section of the spleen revealed follicular hyperplasia. The results suggest that the plant could be slightly toxic to the liver and the spleen on long-term use.
Highlights
Plants have been utilized by man for its food and medicinal values for as long as man existed on earth
After twenty-eight days' oral administration of methanol stem-bark extract of Cadaba farinosa, there was a significant (p< 0.05) increased in white blood cell count (WBC) and at a dose of 1000mg/kg extract there was a significant increase in platelets. (Figure 1)
Herbal plants have become an important component of healthcare for people rural Africa but the world over
Summary
Plants have been utilized by man for its food and medicinal values for as long as man existed on earth. Plants are common features in different ethnic groups as a major source for remedy to their health needs and challenges. Majority of the populace especially in rural areas still depend on plant for their health needs in spite of considerable breakthrough in modern medicine (Ekor, 2014; WHO 2004). Chemical constituents present in plants have been used widely and are responsible for the different effects produced by these plants in preventing and treating diseases or to promote health and general well-being (Ekor, 2014; Ibegbu et al, 2012). Flowers are yellowish green in racemes with farinosa on axis 0.8-4.5cm long. The interior of the fruit is orange-red when mature, the seeds are the size of a millet grain, comma shaped, shinning, darkbrown and arranged in a single layer within the fruit (Halilu et al, 2021; Amber,1990)
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