Toxicological evaluation of the ethanol extract of Lophira alata (Ochnaceae) stem bark in rats

Abstract

Though Lophira alata is used in ethnomedicine for the management of a host of central nervous and systemic diseases, the toxicity profile has not been investigated. This study evaluated the toxicological profile of the ethanol extract of Lophira alata stem bark in rats. The mean lethal dose was determined. Animals were treated with 50-800 mg/kg of the ethanol extract for four weeks after which body weight/organ ratio, haematological, biochemical (renal and hepatic) and lipid profile of test animals were evaluated. Changes in body weight and histopathological examination of brains, kidneys and livers were also carried out. Lower doses (50-400 mg/kg) did not affect body weight, organ/body weight ratio, hepatic, renal, haematological, lipid profile and morphology of organs of test animals. The highest dose affected creatinine levels, serum proteins and induced some histopathological changes. Lophira alata is relatively safe at low doses but high doses of Lophira alata should be used with caution.Keywords: Lophira alata; Toxicity; Lipd profile; Haematological indices