Acute and Subchronic Evaluation of Aqueous Extracts of ＂Newbouldia laevis＂ (Bignoniaceae) and ＂Nauclea latifolia＂ (Rubiaceae) Roots used Singly or in Combination in Nigerian Traditional Medicines

S. O. Ogbonnia ； G. O. Mbaka ； F. E. Nkemehule ； J. E. Emordi ； N. C. Okpagu ； D. A. Ota

《British Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology》 5卷1期 (2014/02) Pp. 55-62

並列摘要

This study was aimed at evaluating the acute and subchronc toxicities of aqueous extracts of ＂Newbouldia laevis＂ stem bark and ＂Nauclea latifolia＂ roots, used extensively, in Nigerian herbal medicine. Acute toxicity study was carried out on Swiss albino mice. The extracts mixed (1:1) in the doses ranging between 1.0 g to 20.0 g/kg body weight (bwt) were administered orally to the mice (22.5±2.5 g) and observed continuously for the first 4 h and hourly for the next 12 h, then 6 hourly for 56 h. In subchronic toxicity study, wistar rats (150±20 g) were fed with 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg bwt daily of the extract mixture (1:1) combination and 500 mg/kg bwt dose of the respective extracts for 30 days. The effects on the biochemical and haematological parameters were evaluated and also the effects on some vital organs were histologically examined. The results showed that all the animals that received 20 g/kg bwt of the extracts (1:1) combination survived beyond 24 h. Significant (p＜0.05) decrease in the plasma glucose level occurred. Lipid profile study showed insignificant increase in total cholesterol (T Chol), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Triglycerides (TG) levels compared to the control while low density lipoprotein (LDL) level decreased appreciably. Aspartate Aminotransferases (AST), Alanine Aminotransferases (ALT) and creatinine levels decreased significant (p＜0.05). The photomicrographs of hepatic, kidney and testicular tissues treated with 500 mg/kg bwt of the respective extracts and 500 mg/kg bwt of the combination indicated no abnormalities. The extracts could be considered safe at the doses administered since they did not provoke toxic effect on the key organs examined.

並列關鍵字

Acute ； ＂Newbouldia laevis＂ ； ＂Nauclea latifolia＂ ； subchronic ； toxicity