EVALUATION OF THE ACUTE AND CHRONIC TOXICITY OF THE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS INSWISS ALBINO MICE

Abstract

Objectives: This work aimed to evaluate the acute and chronic toxicity of the ethanolic extract of Abelmoschus esculentus, administered orally to Swiss albino mice. Methods: An dosage of 2000 mg/kg was administrated and toxicity studies were conducted following organization for economic cooperation and development guidelines of 425 and 407 respectively in Swiss albino mice. During the study, general signs of toxicity were monitored. The mice which are used in the toxicology study were sacrificed, and histological, hematological, and biochemical analyses were done. Results: No behavioral changes were observed in all mice subjected to the study. The extract did not bring about any deaths after 14 days for the acute toxicity study in all the doses and also 90 days at a very high dosage chronic toxicity study days. Although a significant variation was observed in hematocrit, granulocyte, lymphocyte, Alanine transaminase, total cholesterol levels, and blood glucose levels, the extract did not have any significant effect (p<0.05) on the other biochemical and hematological parameters evaluated during the study. Conclusion: The result indicates that the oral administration of ethanolic extract of A. esculentus did not produce any significant toxic effect in the mice. Hence, the extract can be utilized safely for therapeutic use in pharmaceutical formulations.