Acute toxicity study, haematological, biochemical and histopathological effects of Brassica oleracea var. capitata, Allium porrum and Cucurbita maxima in Rattus norvegicus

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The use of vegetables in Nigeria as nutraceutical cannot be over emphasized. However many vegetables are associated with toxicity effects at both low and high doses. Methods Hence the study was aimed at investigating acute toxicity, haematological, biochemical and histopathological effects of Allium porrum (leek), Cucurbita maxima (pumpkin) and Brassica oleracea var. capitata (cabbage) in female Rattus norvegicus. The lethal dose50 (LD50) of the three plants were determined. Key findings The LD50 of aqueous extract of cabbage, leek and pumpkin was 6585 mg/kg body weight. Cabbage caused a decrease in packed cell volume, erythrocytes counts, haemoglobin concentration, white blood cells, neutrophils and monocytes counts, increased basophils and eosinophils counts at dose levels of 5.79 mg/kg and 57.93 mg/kg body weight. At dose levels of 5.79–579.3 mg/kg body weight, the extract caused hypoalbuminaemia, hypoglycaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, increased levels of alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase. Cabbage also caused necrosis of hepatocytes, glomerular and tubular necrosis, cylinduria and perivascular cuffing in the brain. At dose level of 5.79 mg/kg and above, cabbage may cause abortion during an early stage of pregnancy due to possible loss of endometrial gland. The combined extract of pumpkin and leek caused haematopoiesis, neutropenia, lymphocytosis, eosinophilia, hypoglycaemia, hypocholesterolaemia, elevation of ALT levels, necrosis of hepatocytes and brain tissues, kidney damage and suppression of the development of ovarian follicle. Conclusions Brassica oleracea var. capitata may cause anaemia, immunosuppression, hypoglycaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, abortion, liver and kidney damage. The combined extract of leek and pumpkin may cause haematopoeisis, immunostimulation, hypoglycaemia, hypocholesterolaemia, brain problem and infertility.