Acute and sub-acute toxicity study of aqueous extract of Pericopsis (Afrormosia) laxiflora (Benth.) on white albino rats

Abstract

Many plants investigated elsewhere were found to contain toxic substances. The objective of this study is to evaluate acute and sub-acute toxicity of aqueous extract of Pericopsis laxiflora, plant traditionally used to treat different diseases in Côte d’Ivoire. Acute toxicity of aqueous extract was assessed at a dose of 5000 mg/kg bw. For sub-chronic toxicity testing, Wistar rats were orally administered with different dose of the plant extract for 28 days. There was no mortality reported or any toxicity signs including autonomic effects in animals administered orally. The weights of the rats of the different batches increased over the 28 days after oral administration of the aqueous extract. Aqueous extract of Pericopsis laxiflora is not likely to produce any severe toxic effects. However, prolonged oral administration at high dose may cause observable changes in biochemical parameters, in particular Red blood cell and Platelets.