Abstract
Stereospermum kunthianum (Bignoniaceae) is a plant widely used for health benefits. A safety profile evaluation (acute toxicity study) of the plant extract is critical, in a step to the systematic pharmacognostic study of this plant. Thirty-two (32) rats were randomly selected and divided into four groups labelled 1 to 4 with the initial weights of the rats recorded. The animals in group 1 served as control and were administered distilled water, while those in Groups 2, 3 and 4 received 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg respectively, of the Stereospermum kunthianum aqueous methanolic stem bark extract daily. The results indicated no deaths, no observable clinical signs of toxicity, no obvious stress or changes in physical appearance or behaviour in the rats. This general picture of safety is further supported by the multiple comparison post hoc test (Turkey’s) of, the organs weights, the renal (electrolyte, urea and creatinine), the haematological parameters (RBC, HB, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and Platelet), and the hepatic enzymes (AST and ALT), that all showed the control group to be insignificantly different from the extract treated groups. In conclusion, the extract was deduced to be safe on oral administration for 28 days and it also showed a hepatoprotective quality.
Highlights
The animals in group 1 served as control and were administered distilled water, while those in Groups 2, 3 and 4 received 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg respectively, of the Stereospermum kunthianum aqueous methanolic stem bark extract daily
This general picture of safety is further supported by the multiple comparison post hoc test (Turkey’s) of, the organs weights, the renal, the haematological parameters (RBC, HB, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and Platelet), and the hepatic enzymes (AST and ALT), that all showed the control group to be insignificantly different from the extract treated groups
A decoction of the roots was acknowledged in ethno-botanical survey among the Igede people in the middle belt of Nigeria to be effective against diabetes [3], the use is being investigated by our research team, and for which the sub acute toxicity study is demanded as part of the pharmacognostic evaluation of the plant
Summary
The other parts of the plant that is the pods were used in the treatment of cough, ulcers, leprosy, skin eruptions and venereal diseases [4], the leaf infusion was employed for washing wounds, while the macerated leaves were used to treat asthenia and exhaustion and the bark served as a haemostatic (in treating wounds). Some other uses included the stem decoction as recipe for bronchitis, pneumonia and cough; the roots and leaves were used in the treatment of venereal diseases, respiratory ailments and gastritis [5]; while the aqueous stem bark extract was documented as protective against generalized seizures in pentylenetetrazole and electro-convulsive models in rodents [6]
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