Evaluation of acute toxicity in mice and subchronic toxicity of hydro-ethanolic extract of Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson (Fam. Asteraceae) in rats

摘要

This study was aimed at evaluating the phytochemical profile, acute and subchronic toxicity ofC.ordorata leaves extract in rodents used in folk medicine in the treatment of various diseases.Toxicity of the preparation was evaluated in Swiss albino mice by administering orally gradeddoses of the extract in the ranges of 1.0g to 20.0g /kg body weight to the animals and observedcontinuously for the first 4h and hourly for the next 12h, then 6 hourly for 56h (72h, acute toxicity).Wistar rats were also fed with different doses of the extract for 35 days and the effects on sometissues - heart, liver and testes – were histologically examined. Also the effects on thebiochemical and haematological parameters were evaluated.The median acute toxicity value(LD50) of the extract was determined to be 16.50g /kg body weight. The extract significantlyreduced (p≤0.05) plasma glucose and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels, butincreased high density lipoprotein (HDL)–cholesterol in the treated groups compared to thecontrol. Significant increase in the body weight was observed except in the group treated with thehighest dose that experienced decrease in weight after twenty days of treatment. Aspartateaminotransferases (AST) and creatinine levels were significantly increased while significantdecrease in alanine aminotransferases (ALT) level, calcium and phosphorus levels wereobserved in all the treated groups. The high LD50 value (16.50g/kg body weight) of the extractimplies that it could be safe in one dose treatment. The study also revealed that the extract hadgood hypoglycemic effects and favourable reducing effects on the cardiovascular risk factors.However it was observed that long term use especially at a high dose could have deleteriouseffect on the heart