Open AccessAcute and Subchronic Toxicities of the Aqueous Extract of the Hymenocardia acida (Euphorbiaceae) Roots in Rodents
Author(s) -
Séverin Koffi,
Tanina Drissa Soro,
Kouassi Emile Bégbin,
Georges Abizi,
Magne Elisabeth Ahebié,
Kouakou John Kouadio,
N’Guessan Ernest Zougrou,
Koffi Kouakou
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
european journal of medicinal plants
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2231-0894
DOI - 10.9734/ejmp/2022/v33i130444
Subject(s) - body weight , median lethal dose , lethal dose , pharmacology , intraperitoneal injection , toxicity , white blood cell , acute toxicity , oral administration , traditional medicine , medicine , chemistry , biology , toxicology
The roots of Hymenocardia acida are used in traditional African medicine to treat mainly erectile dysfunction. This study aims to evaluate the lethal and sub-lethal toxicities of the aqueous extract of Hymenocardia acida roots in in two rodents species, namely Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus. The acute intraperitoneal and oral toxicities of the extract were determined by the method of Miller and Tainter. Subchronic oral toxicity with doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight was assessed according to the slightly modified OECD 408 method. The results showed that the 50% intraperitoneal lethal dose was 223.87 mg/kg body weight in mice. In addition, the 50% oral lethal dose in mice was greater than 12,000 mg/kg body weight. In the subchronic study, the extract induced a significant (P < .001) increase in white blood cell count at 1000 mg/kg body weight after 60 days of treatment. From the thirtieth day of treatment onwards, the extract induced a significant (P < .05) reduction in blood glucose levels at the 500 mg/kg body weight dose and a significant (P < .05) increase in blood glucose levels at the 1000 mg/kg body weight dose. Aqueous extract of Hymenocardia acida roots is toxic by the intraperitoneal route and exerts a non-specific immunity action at high doses. It was harmless to rats at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/Kg of body weight.