Evaluation of acute toxicity in mice and subchronic toxicity of hydro-ethanolic extract of Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson (Fam. Asteraceae) in rats

Abstract

This study was aimed at evaluating the phytochemical profile, acute and subchronic toxicity of C.ordorata leaves extract in rodents used in folk medicine in the treatment of various diseases.Toxicity of the preparation was evaluated in Swiss albino mice by administering orally graded doses of the extract in the ranges of 1.0g to 20.0g /kg body weight to the animals and observed continuously for the first 4h and hourly for the next 12h, then 6 hourly for 56h (72h, acute toxicity).Wistar rats were also fed with different doses of the extract for 35 days and the effects on some tissues -heart, liver and testes -were histologically examined.Also the effects on the biochemical and haematological parameters were evaluated.The median acute toxicity value (LD 50 ) of the extract was determined to be 16.50g /kg body weight.The extract significantly reduced (p≤0.05)plasma glucose and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels, but increased high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol in the treated groups compared to the control.Significant increase in the body weight was observed except in the group treated with the highest dose that experienced decrease in weight after twenty days of treatment.Aspartate aminotransferases (AST) and creatinine levels were significantly increased while significant decrease in alanine aminotransferases (ALT) level, calcium and phosphorus levels were observed in all the treated groups.The high LD 50 value (16.50g/kg body weight) of the extract implies that it could be safe in one dose treatment.The study also revealed that the extract had good hypoglycemic effects and favourable reducing effects on the cardiovascular risk factors.However it was observed that long term use especially at a high dose could have deleterious effect on the heart