Safety Evaluation of Morinda lucida (L.) Benth (Rubiaceae) Aqueous Stem Bark Extract: A 50-day Oral Toxicity Study in Female Wistar Rats
Temitope Funmi Kale* 1,2, Olufunsho Awodele 1, Adejumo Adeneye 3
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, College of Medicine,
PMB 12003, Idi-Araba Campus, University of Lagos, Nigeria. - Department of Pharmacology, Benjamin Carson College of Health and Medical sciences
Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, 21244 Ikeja, Nigeria. - Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Lagos State University College of Medicine, P.M.B. 21266, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria
| Key words:
Morinda lucida, Traditional medicine, Toxicity study, Safety evaluation
*Corresponding Author: kaleT@babcock.edu.ng
Page No: 314-323
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AbstractThis present study assessed a 50-day toxicological evaluation of Morinda lucida aqueous stem bark extract (MLE) in female Wistar rats. An acute toxicity was used to evaluate the safety. In a separate study, twenty-eight rats (100-120 g) were divided into four groups of 7/group to assess the subchronic toxicity in female rats. Group I received 10ml/kg distilled water, Group II, III and IV received 40 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg of MLE respectively. All treatment was via the oral route. Animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation 24 hours following last administration. Weight changes, biochemical, electrolytes and histological changes were assessed in control and treated animals. An up and down procedure of single oral acute toxicity of MLE (2000mg/kg) produced no mortality in mice. MLE (40 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced (P < 0.05) WBC in treated rats. MLE (200 mg/kg) elevated (P > 0.05) total bilirubin and amylase levels. MLE dose dependently reduced (P > 0.05) Na+ and K+ levels. MLE (40 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) elevated Ca2+ level MLE (40 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg) reduced (P > 0.05) urea and creatinine levels while 200 mg/kg elevated (P > 0.05) these biomarkers of renal function. Although, the extract did not significantly alter the body and relative organ weights it produced mild to moderate inflammation in liver, lungs, and heart at 1000 mg/kg. All the doses caused cortical-renal pelviceal congestion. MLE may be considered relatively safe for consumption.
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