Acute toxicity profile of the methanolic stem bark extract of <i>Omphalocarpum procerum</i> (p. beauv) sapotaceae in mouse models

Abstract

This study investigates the acute toxicity profile of the stem bark extract of Omphalocarpum procerum. O. procerum is traditionally used to treat infertility and other health conditions in Africa. A 24 h and 14 day single dose administration was performed. The animals were placed in two groups  (control and treatment) of 5 mice each for both 24 h and 14 days. O. procerum was orally administered at a dose of 5 g/kg to adult female mice in the treatment group while the control group received water only. The body weights and body temperatures of the animals were  determined, blood samples were collected at the end of the study for haematological analyses, while organs (lungs, heart, uteri, liver and kidneys) were collected, weighed and examined for histopathological changes. In both treatment periods, no mortalities and altered behaviour were observed; there were also no changes to body weights. No differences in haematological parameters were observed except for a significant increase (P < 0.01) in platelet count in the 14 day study on treatment with the extract. There were also no significant changes in organ weights. Mild inflammation was however observed in the lung and kidney tissues in both the 24 h and 14 day studies. The stem bark extract of O. procerum is  relatively safe for consumption at a high dose on a short term, however caution should be observed as mild inflammation may occur on the lungs and kidneys.

Keywords: Acute toxicity, stem bark, inflammation, histopathology, treatment.