Assessment of the safety and possible effects aqueous whole plant extract and characterized conjugated silver nanoparticles derived from Euphorbia heterophylla as related to liver function can produce on the end users make toxicological studies a must. The phytochemical screening and toxicological studies of aqueous extract and characterized conjugated silver nanoparticles (CCAgNPs) were carried out using standard techniques. Phytochemicals such as: saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, steroids and reducing sugars were present in aqueous extract of whole plant Euphorbia heterophylla (AQEWEH). There was a reduction in the body weights of Wistar albino rats except an increment at a dose of 600 mg/kgbw. However, the highest average body weight of 176.50 g was obtained when 10 mg/kgbw of AQEWEH was administered to Wistar albino rats while 600 mg/kgbw of CCAgNPs gave the highest body weight of 152.50 g. Increment in serum asparte aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, reduction in total protein and urea concentration are indicative of hepatocellular dysfunction and cholestatic pattern. The implication of this study is that for both AQEWEH and CCAgNPs to be used as therapeutic agents and administered to man and animals, their safety doses must be determined.
Key words: Toxicological studies; Aqueous whole plant; Characterized conjugated silver nanoparticles;Liver function biomarkers; Euphorbia heterophylla
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