Abstract
Aims The aim of this study was to compare the phytochemical profile and acute and chronic toxicity of hydroethanolic extracts of three parts of P. santalinoides. Methods Seven major chemical groups (alkaloids, flavonoids, saponosides, coumarins, tannins, triterpenes, and steroids) were studied. The single dose limit test of 5000 mg/kg body weight was used to evaluate the acute toxicity of each organic extract. Subacute toxicity was evaluated after daily oral doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight were administered to rats for 28 days. Results At a single dose of 5000 mg/kg, none of the extracts (leaf, trunk bark, and root) caused death in experimental rats. However, the trunk bark extract of P. santalinoides induced coat change and lethargy in treated rats. Macroscopic observation of the internal organs (liver and kidneys) of the rats showed no abnormalities. In the subacute test, only the trunk extracts induced signs of toxicity such as mobility disorders, diarrhea, and loss of body weight at a dose of 1000 mg/kg. Conclusion This study showed that the hydroethanol extracts of the leaves, trunk bark, and root bark of P. santalinoides divergently concentrated the main chemical groups of interest. Administration of a single dose of extracts from all three P. santalinoides is not toxic to the consumer. However, when used over a long period of time, they can have a harmful effect on the consumer. In view of the different results of the trunk bark extract and in a context of conservation of the species, we recommend the use of the hydroethanolic extract of the leaves in the different treatments in which the three organs are involved.
Highlights
Africa is a continent endowed with a rich and very diversified flora that the populations take advantage of to satisfy their basic needs
Native to Nigeria, the species has spread throughout the West African subregion. It is known by the vernacular names Gbegbetin, Gbengben, Ewe Aegbe, and Tigbi, producing fruits for sowing food [6, 7]. It is a plant species of great food and medicinal utility in Africa and Benin. e work of Ayena et al [2] reports that the leaves, trunk bark, and roots of P. santalinoides are in e Scientific World Journal great demand alone or in association with others to treat gastrointestinal disorders, urinary tract infections, and sexual health conditions. e work of Okoye et al [8] reports that extracts of P. santalinoides leaves have antidiarrheal and antispasmodic effects. e almonds of the fruits of the species, in addition to their food uses, can be used to treat diarrhea and dysentery
It follows that hydroethanolic extracts from the parts of P. santalinoides do not show oral toxicity. e results of Anowi et al [9] had shown that the leaves of the species did not cause any signs of toxicity at 5000 mg/kg. ey deduced, as in the present study, that the LD50 dose is higher than 5000 mg/ kg
Summary
Africa is a continent endowed with a rich and very diversified flora that the populations take advantage of to satisfy their basic needs To cover their food needs, rural African populations resort to subsistence agriculture, which they supplement with edible wild species [1]. Native to Nigeria, the species has spread throughout the West African subregion It is known by the vernacular names Gbegbetin (fon), Gbengben, Ewe Aegbe, and Tigbi (yoruba, nago), producing fruits for sowing food [6, 7]. E objective of this study is to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of the 3 parts (leaves, trunk, and root bark) of P. santalinoides on rats of Wistar strains It is questionable what the toxicological profile of the other parts (trunk bark and roots) is if they are used as leaves. e objective of this study is to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of the 3 parts (leaves, trunk, and root bark) of P. santalinoides on rats of Wistar strains
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
