Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies of the chloroform extract of Crinum asiaticum bulbs in mice.

Abstract

Crinum asiaticum bulbs are widely distributed in parts of Africa and Asia, most evidence suggest this plant is an Asian in origin with some occurrence in the Indian Ocean islands. In Ghana, it is mostly found in the southern part and used ethno-medicinally to treat upper respiratory tract infection, severe cough, skin infection and healing of wounds. In spite of the usage among the indigenous people, there is very little published research on toxicity pertaining to the short or long term use of the bulbs of Crinum asiaticum. The aim of this study is to assess the acute and sub-acute toxicity profile of the chloroform extract of Crinum asiaticum bulbs (CCAE) in ICR mice. In the acute toxicity test, healthy male and non-pregnant female ICR mice (15-20 g) were used. Mice were given single low dose of CCAE orally (2000 mg/kg) in one group and 5000 mg/kg in another group as the highest dose and the control group recieved 1 ml/kg of normal saline (p.o). Gross observation from the acute toxicity study was made for seven days. In the sub-acute toxicity study, doses of 500 and 1500 mg/kg of CCAE were administered orally for 14 days consecutively and observations made throughout the period. In both studies, the animals were closely observed for clinical behavioral changes such as fixed posture, vasodilatation, irritabilities, change in body weight, loss of appetite, hair loss and mortalities. The toxic effect of the extract on liver, kidneys, haematological, and biochemical parameters were assessed including histopathological examination to assess the integrity of the cells of kidney and liver. In conclusion the toxicity study of CCAE showed no significant toxic effect on the liver, kidney, body weight, neurological functions, haematological and biochemical parameters in oral acute toxicity test followed by sub-acute oral toxicity test. Histopathological studies on the cells of kidney and liver appeared normal. The LD50 was determined to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. Hence the chloroform extract of Crinum asiaticum bulbs are not toxic when the dosing is below 5000 mg/kg.