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Acute toxicity effects of the methanolic extract of Fagara zanthoxyloides (Lam.) root-bark


Jasper W. Ogwal-Okeng
Celestino Obua
William W. Anokbonggo

Abstract

Background: Fagara zanthoxyloides is a well known medicinal plant in Uganda. It is used extensively in malaria and other infections. However nothing is known about its toxicity.


Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of the methanolic extract of the root-bark of F. zanthoxyloides, in mice.

Methods: Methanolic extract of the root-bark of the plant was administered orally to mice at various dose levels to determine the acute toxic effects and the median lethal dose (LD50) in mice.


Results: The LD50 of the methanolic extract was found to be5.0 g/Kg body weight within 95 % confidence limits. The mice showed signs of cerebral irritation before dying. Histopathological examinations of the viscera showed congestion and focal necrosis of the liver and renal tubules.


Conclusion: It was concluded that the extract of F. zanthoxyloides is safe, however the cerebral mechanism that lead to the death of the mice need to be investigated further.


(African Health Sciences: 2003 3(3): 124-126)

Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1729-0503
print ISSN: 1680-6905