Abstract
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the in vivo toxicity of methanolic leaf extract of Vernonia lasiopus. To provide information on the safety of V. lasiopus, we evaluated its acute and sub-chronic toxicity in Wistar rats. For evaluation of acute toxicity of the plant extract, five Wistar rats were orally dosed with 2000 mg/kg body weight sequentially. Sub-chronic toxicity was tested in twenty Wistar rats using three extract doses 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg body weight. They were orally administered for 28 days. Mortality and toxicity signs were monitored during the study period. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed, their internal organs weighed and blood samples collected for haematology and biochemical analysis. In acute toxicity, no single death was reported; leading to conclusion that the median lethal dose (LD50) of methanolic leaf extract of V. lasiopus is beyond 2000 mg/kg body weight. In sub-chronic toxicity studies, V. lasiopus lowered total proteins in all the study groups significantly. Albumin was also lowered at extract dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight. In addition, it resulted to significant neutropenia, lymphocytosis and thrombocytosis in the group administered with dose extract of 1000 mg/kg body weight (PA‹Â‚0.05). It was therefore concluded that methanolic leaf extract of V. lasiopus is safe for use when administered at therapeutic doses. The plant extract may also be useful in the management of haematological disorders especially thrombocytopenia.
Highlights
Medicinal plants have been helpful in treating both infectious and life style diseases
Acute toxicity Administration of 2000 mg/kg body weight of methanolic extracts of V. lasiopus resulted in decreased activity, wheeze, pilo-erection and anorexia in the Wistar rats
Sub-chronic toxicity Effects of methanolic leaf extract of Vernonia lasiopus on body and organ weight in Wistar rats: The results obtained following administration of methanolic leaf extract of V. lasiopus, clearly indicate that there was no significance difference in weight observed between the treatment groups and the control group
Summary
Medicinal plants have been helpful in treating both infectious and life style diseases. Knowledge on their use has been preserved by passing it through oral communication and cultural practices by communities around the world [1]. They play a role in the development of conventional drugs in modern age. The main drawback in the use of ethnobotanical medicine is the fact that the dosage is non-standardized and most of the plants have not been evaluated for toxicity [2]. The observed adverse reactions have direct effects on various body organs especially the liver and the kidney which are more predisposed to toxic effects of xenobiotics during their metabolism and excretion [3]
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
