Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity of Dichloromethane-Methanol Root Bark Extract of <i>Teclea trichocarpa</i> Engl. (Rutaceae) in Rats

Abstract

The in vivo toxicity profile of dichloromethane-methanol (50:50 % v/v) extract of Teclea trichocarpa Engl. (Rutaceae) root bark using Wister rats is reported. No death occurred in the oral acute and sub-acute toxicity studies. In the acute intraperitoneal test, all the animals at 2000 mg/kg developed convulsions followed by death within 3 min; at 300 mg/kg, death occurred within 4-48 h, but there was no death at 50 mg/kg. In the acute oral, subacute oral and 50 mg/kg acute intraperitoneal tests, all haematological and biochemistry parameters fluctuated but remained within normal limits, suggesting that T. trichocarpa root bark extract is practically non-toxic and supports the safety of this plant as a traditional herbal remedy. However, toxicity of the extract on intraperitoneal administration requires further study.

Key words: Teclea trichocarpa, root bark extract, acute toxicity, sub-acute toxicity