Evaluation of sub-acute toxicity profile of methanol extract of Adansonia digitata leaves in Wistar rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the sub-acute toxicity profile of methanol extracts of Adansonia digitata leaves on Wistar rats. Cold maceration method was used to prepare the methanol extract of Adansonia digitata leaves (MEADL). Twenty-four (24) adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each. Group A (control) received 5% dimethylsufoxide (DMSO) at 5 ml/kg, while groups B -D received MEADL at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. All treatments were administered orally and once daily for 28 consecutive days. The weight, haematological and lipid profile, antioxidant status as well as liver and kidney function tests were evaluated. The extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) caused a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the triacylglycerol and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels of the treated groups when compared with the control group. The platelet count of the MEADL treated groups were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated when compared with the control group. The extract did not cause significant (p > 0.05) change in the serum markers of liver and kidney function test, but produced histopathological changes in the kidney and liver section of the treated rats in a dose-dependent manner. These findings justify its use in folkloric medicine for treatment of several diseases, but caution should be exercised as it is associated with histopathological changes in the liver and kidney at high doses.