Assessment of the Acute and Subacute Toxicity Profile of Diethylether Extract of Jatropha Tanjorensis leaf in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

The aim of study was to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity of diethylether extract of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves in male Wistar rats. The acute toxicity study was conducted by placing Wistar albino rats into four groups of five rats each. These were sequentially dosed one at a time, using four graded doses of 1250, 2500, 3750 and 5000 mg/kg b.wt of the plant extract. Observations were made and recorded systematically daily for a seven days period for mortality, breathing and other behavioral changes after dose administration. For the sub-acute toxicity study, the animals were divided into ten groups of five rats each. Group 1 served as normal control and received distilled water for a 42 days period. Groups 2,3 and 4 received 167mg/kg b.wt of the plant extract for 14 days, 28 days and 42 days respectively. Groups 5, 6 and 7 received 250mg/kg b.wt of the plant extract for 14 days, 28 days and 42 days period respectively. Groups 8, 9 and 10 received 500mg/kg b.wt of the plant extract for 14, 28 and 42 days respectively. The animals were sacrificed at 14 days interval and the hematological and biochemical parameters were determined. There was a significant (p <0.05) increase in RBC, Hb, HT, MCV and MCH and a decrease in WBC for 14, and 28 days treatment. There was significant increase in the levels of TP, ALB and a decrease in the levels of TBIL, ALP while ALT and AST remained unchanged. The serum markers of lipid profile, total–CHOL, LDL-CHOL, VLDL-CHOL and TG were significantly reduced and HDL-CHOL level was increased. The activities of the stress enzymes GPx, CAT and SOD were increased while the level of MDA was reduced. The K+ level was unchanged, Na+, Cl- and HCO3- levels increased while urea and creatinine levels were decreased. Jatropha tanjorensis diethylether extract elicited non toxic effect in the hematological and biochemical parameters. Thus, the extract can be considered safe for oral administration.