Toxicological Studies of Citrus aurantifolia Fruit Juice in Wistar Rats

Background: Citrus aurantifolia has been well known for its economic importance either as food or medicine. Previous studies have shown the antidiabetic, anti-cholesterol, hepato-protective and antioxidant properties of the fruit juice. Purpose: This study focused on the effects of continuous oral administration of C. aurantifolia (lime) fruit juice for a period of three months on the biochemical indices of Wistar albino rats. Methods: Acute toxicity test (LD50) was done using Lorke’s method. Twenty (20) rats of both sexes weighing between 120 g and 130 g were randomized into 4 groups of five rats each. Group A (normal control) was given feed and water only, Group B, C and D were given 2, 4 and 8 ml/kg bodyweight (b.w) of Citrus aurantifolia fruit juice respectively. At the end of the treatment period, fasting blood glucose level was determined and blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture from the experimental animals for the evaluation of the serum concentrations of biochemical parameters (liver function, kidney function, electrolytes, lipid profile, lactate dehydrogenase, and lipid peroxidation). These analyses were carried out using standard diagnostic techniques. Results: From the result of the LD50, no death was recorded for doses of 50 ml/kg b.w and below while at doses of 60 and 100 ml/kg b.w, there were signs of toxicity and death of the experimental animals.  The mean lethal dose (LD50) was 54.8 ml/kg bw. The fasting blood sugar levels were maintained within the normal range throughout the period of administration. The concentrations of ALT, AST, ALP, urea and creatinine were significantly (p<0.05) decreased while GGT, Albumin, Total protein, total bilirubin, K+, Na+, Cl-, HCO3- and the pH levels were not significantly (p<0.05) altered for the 3 doses tested when compared to the normal control. However, a dosage of 8 ml/kg bw significantly decreased the direct bilirubin level. The levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, triacylgylcerol and VLDL were significantly (p<0.05) reduced with a significant (p<0.05) increase in the HDL-C when compared to the normal control. There was also a significant (p<0.05) increase in blood LDH levels. Dosages of 2 and 4ml/kg bw did not significantly alter the levels of MDA in relation to the normal control but 8 ml/kg bw significantly (p<0.05) decreased the MDA levels of the rats. Conclusion: The biochemical parameters assayed suggests that proper doses of the C. aurantifolia fruit juice do not cause any harmful or adverse effect to the organs and tissues in the body.