Acute Toxicity Testing and Phytochemical Screening of Hydromethanolic Leaf Extract of Maerua angolensis on Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

Maerua angolensis leaves have been used traditionally for the treatment of several ailments which include but not limited to anaemia, jaundice, arthritis, insomnia, liver diseases and neurological disorders. Despite its widespread use and several reported beneficial uses, there is a paucity of data on its toxicity potential. This study was therefore designed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and acute toxicity potential of hydromethanolic leaf extract of Maerua angolensis on albino wistar rats. Phytochemical screening was carried out using a standard procedure for the identification of phytochemicals as described in the literatures. Acute toxicity determination was done in two phases (using Lorke‟s method). In the first phase, the rats were divided into three groups of three rats each and were administered 10mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 1000mg/kg body weight of the hydromethanolic leaf extract of Maerua angolensis respectively. In the second phase, the rats were divided into three groups of one rat each and were administered 1600mg/kg, 2900mg/kg and 5000mg/kg body weight of the hydromethanolic leaf extract of Maerua angolensis respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed that the hydromethanolic leaf extract of Maerua angolensis contains flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins and terpenoids. The rats did not show any signs or symptoms of toxicity following the administration of the extract during both phases. Therefore, it could be concluded that Maerua angolensis leaves contain essential constituents needed in the treatment and management of various ailments and are also safe for use as the LD50 was >5000mg/kg supporting its folkloric use in disease management.