Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity Studies on the Trunk Bark Hydro-Ethanolic Extract of Stereospermum kunthianum Cham: In Wistar Rats

Abstract

Purpose:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicity of the trunk bark hydroethanolic extract of Stereospermum Kunthianum Cham: in Wistar rats. Methods:For acute toxicity assessment, three 12-week-old female rats were administered by gavage a single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg of the trunk bark hydro-ethanolic extract of Stereospermum kunthianum. LD 50 was estimated after 14 days of observation. Subacute toxicity was assessed at three dose levels: 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg. The extract was administered by gavage to a batch of 6 male and female rats, daily for 28 days. Each batch consisted of 3 males and 3 males. A 4 th batch that received only distilled water was used as a control. Monitoring body weight was carried out, and urinalysis, haematological, and biochemical analyses were carried out on urine, whole blood, and serum samples. Results:The results showed that the hydroethanolic extract of trunk bark and hydro-ethanolic extract of Stereospermum kunthianum did not result in death among the animals; there were no obvious signs of toxicity. However, in animals that received the extract for 28 days, two deaths were noted in females, macroscopic examination also showed stomach distension compared to the controls. These stomach distension which was dose dependent without any disturbance of the determined biological parameters. Conclusion:According to these results, LD 50 was estimated to be greater than 2000 mg/kg. Female rats appear to be more sensitive than males in long-term. NOAEL was estimated below 500 mg/kg. The results showed that the trunk bark hydro-ethanolic extract of Stereospermum kunthianum Cham. Has low or no toxicity in Wistar rats at tested doses.