Sub-chronic toxicity study of the aqueous extract of fresh nuts of <i>Plukenetia conophora</i> in rats

Abstract

Background: Nuts of consumed of Plukenetia conophora as food and used traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Objective: This study was carried out to investigate the sub-chronic toxicity of the aqueous extract of Plukenetia conophora in laboratory rats.

Method: 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg of extracts of Plukenetia conophora were administered orally for 90 days. At the end of administration, blood samples was collected for hematological and biochemical analysis. Vital organs were harvested for histopathological assessment.

Results: There was no mortality recorded on oral administration of PC up to 2 g/kg. For the biochemical assay, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced at all doses. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity was also reduced at 500 and 750 mg/kg respectively compared to control. Cholesterol (CHOL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased at all treatment doses compared to controls. On hematological assessment, red blood cell count (RBC) was significantly (p < 0.05) increased at all treatment doses. Platelet (PLT) and white blood cell (WBC) counts was significantly (p < 0.05) increased at 250 and 750 mg/kg respectively compared to the controls. Histological evaluation of vital organs showed interstitial inflammation in the lungs while other organs assessed appeared normal.

Conclusion: This investigation showed that the extract could be hepatoprotective and possibly serve as an immuno-stimulant. However, it could increase the risk factor for cardiovascular morbidities on sub-chronic exposure.

Keywords: Plukenetia , Sub-chronic toxicity, Hematological, Biochemical, Histological