Acute and Sub-acute Oral Toxicity Profile of Root Bark Methanol Extract of Carissa Edulis Vahl

Abstract

Background: Carissa edulis is widely used in traditional medicine to manage numerous ailments. However, few studies have assessed its toxicity. Therefore, this study aimed to determine acute and sub-toxicity levels of C. edulis methanol extract. Methods: In the acute toxicity probe, a limit test was conducted whereby the extract was given as a solo dose by gavage. The rats were observed for two weeks. The observations included mortality and changes in the general appearance and behavior of the experimental animals. The body weights of the rats were taken weekly. For the sub-acute toxicity probe, the rats received the extract daily at dosages 300, 520, and 900 mg/kg by gavage for 28 days. Body weights were also taken weekly. On day twenty-nine, the weights of the rats were taken, the rats were sacrificed, and blood was collected for biochemical and hematological analysis. Body organs were harvested, and their weights were taken. Results: The results of the acute toxicity probe showed that the extract didn’t cause mortality or toxicity signs throughout the study duration. The LD50 of the extract was therefore deemed to be above 2,000 mg/kg. The sub-acute toxicity probe results demonstrated that the extract, at all the tested dosages, didn’t cause mortality or affect the rats’ organ weights, body weights, or hematological and biochemical parameters throughout the study duration. Conclusions: In conclusion, the methanol extract of C. edulis is not toxic since it didn’t cause mortality or toxicity signs in both acute and sub-acute toxicity probes. Key words: Biochemical parameters, Body weights, Hematological parameters, Organ weights