Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity of Aqueous Extract of Nauclea Latifolia in Swiss Mice and in OFA Rats

Purpose: To determine the dose - toxicity profile of the aqueous extract of Nauclea latifolia stem bark (AQE). Methods: Oncin France Souche A (OFA) rats were orally administered with AQE at doses of 1.8, 18 and 180 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. In parallel, oral acute toxicity test in Swiss mice was performed with AQE at doses of 2, 4, 8 and 18g/kg body weight. Blood, urine and other biochemical markers were assessed for the rats. Results: No death was observed after 14 days of single oral administration, and hence the LD50 was > 18g/kg body weight. For sub-acute toxicity in OFA rats, an elevation of some blood parameters (platelets and erythrocytes but also eosinophils) in contrast to the low serum concentrations of biochemical markers such as aminotransferases (ALT, AST) and creatinine were recorded in rats treated with 18 and 180 mg/kg body weight. Urine analysis showed high depletion of sodium and potassium ions coupled with high loss of water. Conclusion: Known for its diuretic property, the AQE could be beneficial against anemia and may favor blood coagulation but unfortunately may exhibit allergenic properties and cause inflammatory reactions. This study suggests the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of AQE range between 1.8 and 18 mg/kg body weight in OFA rats.