Evaluation of sub-chronic toxicity, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect of ethanol leaves extract <i>Ficus capensis</i> in albino rat

Abstract

Ficus capensis is highly medicinal in nature and has been reported to possess pharmacological properties. Ethanol leaves of extract of F.  capensis were evaluated for its sub-chronic impact on the hepatic biomarkers as well as anti-inflammatory and diuretic activity in male albino rat. Fifty four albino rats were randomly divided into six treatment groups of nine rats per group. Group A - received normal saline  (normal control), Group B - received either 40 mg/kg of Furosemide (control for diuretic) or 50 mg/kg of Aspirin (control for anti- inflammatory), Group C - received 200 mg/kg F. capensis extract, Group D - received 400 mg/kg F. capensis extract, Group E - received 600 mg/kg F. capensis extract and Group F received 800 mg/kg F. capensis extract. The anti-inflammatory effect assessed using carrageen  induced paw edema in rat was significantly affected by the extracts. The diuretic activity of the extract screened by quantification of urine volume and electrolyte concentration was significantly affected. The extract of F. capensis showed significant (p<0.05) increase in serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotranferarase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and conjugate bilirubin in the 600 and 800 mg/kg extract treated groups on week 3 when compared to the normal control. The result suggested that ethanol leaves extract of F. capensis could be non-toxic to the liver at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg and has potential anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, hence could be utilized at moderate doses in the treatment of inflammation and diuretic related health complications.