Comparative Acute Oral Toxicity of Landolphia owariensis P. beauv. Leaf Extracts in Wistar Rats

Abstract

IntroductionLandolphia owariensis is a climbing herb belonging to the family Apocynaceae. It is well distributed from Guinea to West Cameroon and extends across Central Africa to Sudan, Uganda, and Southern Tanganyika. 1 Of the sixty (60) known species of the Landolphia genus, Landolphia owariensis is recognized as one of the most studied and useful species. 2 It is known as "panukuru" in the Yoruba Language. 3 Microscopic examination of the powdered leaves of L. owariensis showed stomatal cells, starch grains, and fibers are present. 4 Studies on its pharmacological properties have shown it to have a host of diverse activities including antioxidant, 5,6 antiulcer, and antisecretory effects with the leaves. 7 The aqueous, methanol, and chloroform leaf extracts have shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties 8 while the ethanol extract of the leaf and root showed antimicrobial activities. 9-11 Similar antimicrobial activity has also been established with the fruits. 12 The root is soaked in local gin and given for the treatment of gonorrhea. 13