Evaluation of the biochemical and toxicological profile of methanol extract of <i>Dennettia tripetala</i> (pepper fruit) fresh leaves on some selected parameters in male albino rats

Abstract

The vast majority of Africans still use traditional medicine as the primary means of treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the biochemical and toxicological properties of methanol extract of fresh Dennettia tripetala (pepper fruit) leaves in male albino rats. Twenty healthy male albino rats were divided into four groups of five rats each was used in this study. Group 1 was the control group; groups 2, 3 and 4 received an oral dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg methanol leave extract of D. tripetala daily for 21 days. After 21 days of the administration, the rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected through the ocular puncture to assay the biochemical parameters. Animals given the D. tripetala methanol extract at doses up to 1000 mg/kg body weight showed no harm in acute toxicity testing; however, D. tripetala caused a significant derangement in the liver and kidney profile. ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, albumin, direct bilirubin, urea and creatinine levels increased non-significantly (p>0.05) from the control. The activities of the antioxidant parameters showed a non-significant increase at all doses compared to the control. In conclusion, this study has shown that administration of methanol leaves extract of D. tripetala at a dose over 100 mg/kg body weight for an extended period may induce toxicity to the liver and kidney, which could cause hepatic disease and renal dysfunction.