Background: Pseudocedrela kotschyi is a plant commonly found in Africa and it is used in traditional medicine in the treatment of different diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the stem bark of the plant in albino rats. Method: In acute test, the limit test dose of 1,500mg/kg was orally administered to albino rats and then observed individual for 72 hours post dosing and once every day for 14 days, and the LD50 was found to be 1,225mg/kg body weight. The sub-chronic toxicity study was done using standard protocol in graded doses of 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 400mg/kg of the plant extract for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, chloroform was used to painlessly salvage the rats and was examined both grossly and histopathologically.
Result: Administration of extracts for the experimental period did not record any death; however, loss of appetite and reduced activity were observed in rats dosed with 400mg/kg. Mild histological lesions were also observed in the liver, kidney and heart respectively.
Conclusion: from the above result, it is concluded the aqueous stem bark extract of P. kotschyi is relatively safe. The histopathological changes observed in the organs investigated suggest that the extract should be used with caution when administered for prolonged periods.
Key words: Pseudocedrela kotschyi, Wistar rats, histopathology
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