Acute and subacute toxicity study of ethanol extract of <i>Ficus sycomorus</i> L. (Moraceae) leaf and Faidherbia albida (Fabaceae) stem bark

Abstract

Traditionally in northern Nigeria, different parts of Ficus sycomorus (FS) and Faidherbia albida (FA) plants are commonly used to manage diverse medical ailments including diabetes and epilepsy. This study was undertaken to ascertain the acute and sub-acute toxicity of ethanol extracts of FS leaves and FA stem bark in Wistar albino rats. The fresh leaves of FS and the stem bark of FA were collected, prepared and extracted using 95% ethanol. The subacute toxicity test was carried out using ten groups of five rats each: control group, four doses of ethanol leaf extract of FS, four doses of ethanol stem bark extract of FA and combination of FS and FA extract. The extracts were administered orally on daily basis for 28 days. At the end of the study, all animals were sacrificed at which the blood samples were collected for biochemical and haematological analysis respectively. The results of acute toxicity study showed the extracts were relatively less toxic. Sub-acute administration of the combined extract of FS and FA did not significantly affect haematological, renal and hepatic functions. However, there was a dose dependent decrease in the renal function. Bark extract of FA significantly increased the levels of ASAT, ALAT, TB and CB (p<0.05) at the doses of 250 and 500mg/kg. The combined extract of FS and FA was found to be relatively safe on hematological parameters and did not alter the hepatic and renal functions. Thus, justifies the traditional use of these plants combination for managing diseases in northern Nigeria.

Keywords: Ficus sycomorus; Faidherbia albida; Ethanol extract; Acute toxicity; Sub-acute toxicity