Toxicological studies of stem bark extract from Schefflera barteri Harms (Araliaceae)

Abstract

BackgroundThe use of herbal medicines as complements or alternatives to orthodox medicines has been on the increase. There has been the erroneous belief that these medicines are free from adverse effects. Schefflera barteri is popularly used in the West region of Cameroon for the treatment of various diseases such as diarrhea, spasm, pneumonia and animals bite. Considering the ethnopharmacological relevance of this plant, this study was designed to investigate the possible toxic effects of the stem bark extract of S. barteri.MethodsThe extract was prepared by maceration of stem bark dry powder in methylene chloride/methanol mixture. Phytochemical analysis was performed by chemical reaction method. Oral acute toxicity study was carried out by administering single geometric increasing doses (2 to 16 g/kg body weight) of plant extract to Swiss albino mice. For sub-acute toxicity study, repeated doses (100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg bw) of plant extract were given to Wistar albino rats for 28 consecutive days by oral route. At the end of the treatment period, hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed, as well as histopathological studies.ResultsPhytochemical analysis of stem bark extract of S. barteri revealed the presence of anthocyanins, anthraquinons and saponins. Acute toxicity results showed that the LD50 was greater than 16000 mg/kg. Sub-acute treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased the level of serum transaminase, proteins and HDL cholesterol. On the other hand, the extract significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the level of leucocytes as well as neutrophils, basophils and monocytes in female. No significant variation of serum creatinine, LDL cholesterol, serum triglycerides as well as liver, spleen, testicles and ovaries proteins was noted. Histopathological analysis of organs showed vascular congestion, inflammation of peri-portal and vacuolization of hepatocytes at the level of the liver. Leucocytes infiltration of peri-portal veins were noticed on lungs and liver cells as well as inflammatory peri-bronchial and basal membranes seminar tube merely joined on lungs and testis respectively.ConclusionThe results suggest that acute administration of the stem bark extract of S. barteri is associated with signs of toxicity, administration over a long duration provokes hepatotoxicity, testes and lungs toxicities.

Acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity studies of the leaves aqueous extract of Clerodendrum umbellatum Poir. on mice

“…Its level is increased in the serum when the cortex and/or the glomeruli are damaged. Thus, higher than normal levels of serum creatinine are an indication of a deficiency in renal function [16,22]. In the current study, serum creatinine level significantly increased in the male mice treated with the extract at the highest dose of 800 mg/kg.…”

“…The hematopoietic system is one of the most sensitive targets for toxic compounds and an important index of physiological and pathological status in man and animal [21]. In this study, an oral administration of CuAE to male and female mice for 28 consecutive days did not affect neither RBCs count nor HGB, nor HCT, suggesting that this extract has no oxygenation and anemia risk [22]. Total WBCs and differential leukocytes of mice of both sexes of the test groups and the test satellite group showed no significant difference with control groups.…”

Evaluation of the effects of Leech Salivary Extract (LSE) on Haematological parameters in Rats

“…The results obtained from the present study showed that LSE did not cause rat mortality or other signs of toxicity even at a dose limit of 5000mg /kgbw. This result is in agreement with the reports of Kabiru et al [14], and Atsafack et al [15], that revealed that methanolic leaf extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis exhibited LD 50 above 5000mg/kgbw and was, therefore, considered non-toxic acutely.…”

Soluble melanins of the Randia echinocarpa fruit – Structural characteristics and toxicity

“…Conversely, the creatinine levels were significantly lower in the SMBT‐treated animals (Table ). Creatinine is a marker of kidney toxicity, its levels increased in the serum when the cortex and/or the glomerular kidney structures are damaged (Atsafack et al, ). In this case, the decreased levels of serum creatinine in SMBT‐treated mice may suggest malnutrition and/or loss of body mass, conditions that in this study were discarded because differences in the weight of the body and organs were not found (Table ).…”

“…During the treatment period, animals were observed on general signs of toxicity, behavior, and mortality. Body weights were measured on days 1, 7, 17, 24, and 30 (Atsafack et al, ). At the end of the experiment (day 30), animals were anesthetized with ketamine/xylasin (100/20 mg/kg i.p.…”