Analgesic and toxicological effects of leaf extract of <i>Clerodendrum volubile</i> Linn. in Wistar albino rats

Abstract

Clerodendrum volubile is commonly found in the Southern part of Nigeria and it is known for its food and medicinal purposes. This study was aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents and toxicological effects of the leaf extract of C. volubile on Wistar rats. The plant was screened for qualitative and quantitative phyto-constituents using standard procedures. Toxic effect of the plant was determined after a 28-day sub-acute toxicity study in Wistar albino rats of both sexes. Treatment groups received a daily dose of the plant extract at 1, 10, 100 mg/kg, acetaminophen 100 mg/kg, aspirin 100 mg/kg and distilled water as control for 28 days. The toxicity was evaluated by using haematological, histological and biochemical parameters. Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, phenols and flavonoids were appreciably present in methanol and diethyl-ether extracts when compared with aqueous extract. This study showed no lethality of animals after 28 days. A significant increase in haemoglobin concentration was observed (8.92±0.01 g/dL) when compared with acetaminophen and distilled water. The spleen and heart architectures were normal compared with the standard drugs. The study concludes that the methanol extract of C. volubile showed minimal morphological alterations on various organs examined. Further study is recommended to isolate the active ingredient responsible for its activities.