Evaluation of The Toxic Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Tapinanthus cordifolius in Mice and Rats

Abstract

IntroductionTapinanthus cordifolius is an African mistletoe in the Loranthaceae family and the Tapinanthus genus. 1,2 Mistletoe refers to woody shoot parasites found in a variety of plant groups, including the Loranthaceae and Viscaceae families. 1 The Hausa, Yoruba, and Ibo speakers in Nigeria refer to it as "kaucì", "ewe afomo," and "ohumagana" respectively. 1 It is an obligatory hemi-parasitic evergreen tropical plant that grows on a wide range of trees. 1 In West Africa, mistletoe can be found on a variety of indigenous trees as well as several economically important tree crops, such as shea butter, neem, cocoa, and rubber. Mistletoe is prevalent in South-western Nigeria, especially on tree crops such as cocoa, kola, coffee, bush mango, and others. Mistletoe can also be found on citrus trees such as oranges and guava trees. It grows as a parasitic plant on the branches and trunks of trees, sending out haustoria that pierce the tree to absorb nutrients. Mistletoe, like other plants, can also grow on its own and make its sustenance through photosynthesis. 3 Mistletoe is commonly utilized in practically every culture to treat various conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and diabetes, or as a diuretic agent. 1,2 In Nigeria, mistletoe is used to treat a variety of human and animal problems, including stomach aches, diarrhoea, dysentery, wounds, and cancer. Ruminants and local fowls enjoy it with no documented digestive problems. 3,4