Acute and Sub-Acute Toxic Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extracts of Ximenia americana (Linn.) and Pappea capensis (Eckl. and Zeyh.)

Abstract

Background: Although herbal extracts are often regarded as natural and without harmful effects, their application in the practice of modern medicine is usually viewed with skepticism because of many concerns, including toxicity. Ximenia americana and Pappea capensis are widely used in traditional treatment of various pathologies. However, the available data on their safety is still scanty. This study evaluated the acute and sub-acute toxicity effects of the two plants in mice. Materials and Methods: For acute toxicity studies, three groups were used. Group I mice were given normal saline; groups II and III mice were given a single dose of 2000 mg/Kg bw of X. americana and P. capensis extract, respectively. For sub-acute toxicity studies, seven groups of mice were used. Group I was given normal saline; groups II, III and IV were treated with X. americana extract, whereas groups V, VI and VII were treated with P. capensis extract. Extract doses of 250, 430 and 750 mg/Kg bw were used, respectively. Animals were treated daily for 28 days. Results: The extracts did not cause significant change in behavioral factors, body weights, red and white cell indices, and kidney functions in mice. However, at 2000 mg/Kg bw, X. americana extract caused a significant increase in relative pancreas weight. Additionally, at 750 mg/Kg bw, X. americana extract caused a significant increase in platelet distribution width, and total and indirect bilirubin. The extracts did not significantly alter kidneys functions. Conclusions: According to the current study findings, it was concluded that the extracts are devoid of neurotoxic, hematotoxic and nephrotoxic effects. However, X. americana extract possess mild hepatotoxic effects. It was also concluded that lethal dose of the extracts is greater than 2000 mg/Kg bw. Therefore, X. americana and P. capensis extracts are generally safe for use in traditional treatment of various diseases.