EVALUATION OF THE SUB-CHRONIC TOXICITY OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF URARIA PICTA (LEAVES) AND LEPTODERRIS TRIFOLIOLATA (ROOT) IN WISTAR RATS

Abstract

Medicinal plants are important sources of bioactive compounds used in the treatment of several diseases, although their traditional use may present safety concerns. This study evaluated the sub-chronic toxicity of methanol extracts of Leptoderris trifoliolata and Uraria picta in female Wistar rats. Forty-five (45) rats weighing 100 ± 20 g were divided into nine groups and orally administered 50, 300, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg body weight of the extracts for 28 days, while the control group received no extract. Biochemical, haematological, oxidative stress, lipid profile, and histopathological parameters were evaluated. No major treatment related alterations were observed in body weight, organ/body weight ratio, oxidative stress indices, haematological parameters, or histopathology of the liver, kidney, and uterus. However, significant (p < 0.05) increases in creatinine levels were observed in Uraria picta 50 mg/kg (2.17±0.16 mg/dL), 300 mg/kg (2.67±0.17 mg/dL), and Leptoderris trifoliolata 1000 mg/kg (1.17±0.17 mg/dL) groups compared with the control (1.00±0.06). Total cholesterol increased significantly (p < 0.05) at L. trifoliolata 1000 mg/kg (74.33 mg/dL), while triacylglycerol decreased significantly across all treated groups compared with the control (103.33±0.33). Alterations were also observed in HDL-C, LDL-C, AST, ALT, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin levels at specific doses. Despite these changes, histopathological examination revealed no tissue abnormalities. Overall, both extracts appeared relatively safe following sub-chronic administration, although prolonged use at certain doses may cause metabolic disturbances, warranting further chronic toxicity studies.