The in vivo toxicity evaluation of leaf and root methanolic extracts of Tephrosia vogelii Hook.f using animal model

Abstract

Abstract Background Traditionally, herbal medicines are commonly used to cure several diseases since immemorial of human life. Nevertheless, the safety of some traditionally used medicinal plants is uncertain. Since Tephrosia vogelii Hook.f is a traditionally used medicinal plant, the effects of its extracts were evaluated on lethality (LD50) and sub-acute toxicity in this study. Methods Phytochemistry screening and an in vivo toxicity evaluation of leaf and root methanolic extracts of T. vogelii using laboratory albino rats were conducted. Methanolic extracts of doses 600, 1200, 2000 and 5000 mg/kg body weights were administered single dose in rats to observe deaths within 72 h in order to determine the LD50. Methanolic extracts doses of 600, 1200 and 2000 mg/kg body weights were consecutively administered for 14 days in order to evaluate sub-acute toxicity. Results Tannins, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids and saponins were identified in the phytochemical screening. The LD50 experiments revealed zero deaths of rats for the administered doses, 600 to 5000 mg/kg body weight. Histopathological examination of liver and kidney for sub-acute toxicity test showed safety at all doses except root methanolic extracts dose of 2000 mg/kg which exhibited necrosis and vacuolation of liver cells on the 14th day. Nonetheless, hepatic necrosis and hepatic vacuolation disappeared upon time elongation without dose administration to 28th day. Conclusion The conducted toxicity evaluation of methanolic leaf and root extracts in albino rats revealed no deleterious effects, henceforth, suggesting that T. vogelii could be safe to users using it as a medicinal plant.