Evaluation of the toxicity profile of <i>Bridelia ferruginea</i> methanol stem bark extract

Abstract

The present research was carried out to investigate the toxicity profile of Bridelia ferruginea methanol stem bark extract. Acute toxicity study was carried out in mice using the modified Lorke’s method to determine median lethal dose (LD₅₀). For the subacute toxicity study, animals used were albino rats while extract was administered at dose levels of 100, 1000 and 2500 mg/kg daily for a period of 28 days. Blood samples were taken at the end of the study period for estimation of biochemical and haematological parameters. Histopathological examination of sections of the liver and kidney was also carried out. No mortality was recorded in acute toxicity study and also no any change in general behaviour of rats was observed up to dose of 5000 mg/kg. Similarly, daily administration of the stem bark extract for 28 days did not produce significant changes in body weight, haematological and biochemical parameters of treated rats across all doses except at dose of 2500 mg/kg where significant change was observed in the parameters studied when compared with values obtained from the control group. However, slight histopathological changes were observed in the liver and kidneys sections of rats treated with the methanol stem bark at dose of 1000 mg/kg and 2500 mg/kg. In conclusion, based on results of acute and subacute toxicity study studies, the methanol stem bark extract of Bridelia ferruginea may be considered safe for medicinal use especially at lower doses.