Acute Oral Toxicity Study of Ethyl Acetate Extracts of Ficus benghalensis Aerial Roots

Abstract

The Ficus benghalensis of the family Moraceae, often known as the banyan or "Bargad" in Hindi. In traditional medicine, banyan tree pieces are used to cure several conditions, including ulcers, diabetes, bleeding, diarrhea, dysentery, and burning. The aerial root latex is useful for treating rheumatism, haemorrhoids, wounds, boils, inflammation, and skin disorders. The objective of the current investigation was to determine its potential toxicity. Ethyl acetate extracts of Ficus benghalensis aerial roots were tested for acute oral toxicity in female Wistar rats at a level of 5000 mg/Kg body wt. The rats were evaluated for death, behavioural abnormalities, neuro-motor abnormalities, body weight, and water-feed intake patterns throughout the 14-day trial. The kidney and liver functions were evaluated using blood biochemical indicators, and these organs' histological compositions were also examined. It was discovered that Ficus benghalensis aerial root ethyl acetate extract did not induce any harmful effects or mortality at the provided dose. In comparison to the corresponding control group, there were no abnormalities seen in any specified parameter in the rats. For Ethyl Acetate Extracts of Ficus benghalensis Aerial Roots, the potential oral fatal dose is, therefore, greater than 5000 mg/Kg body wt. Hence, our findings are evidence that the aerial root extract was safe for oral consumption and also suitable for in-vivo biological screening.