Evaluation of The Toxic Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of <i>Tapinanthus cordifolius</i> in Mice and Rats

Abstract

Tapinanthus cordifolius (TC), a hemiparasitic plant in the Loranthaceae family and the Tapinanthus genus, possesses  numerous medicinal properties. In order to establish its medicinal quality and toxicity profile for appropriate application  in traditional medicine. This study was designed to determine the safety profile of Tapinanthus cordifolius. Oral acute and  sub-chronic toxicity studies of the ethanolic extract of Tapinanthus cordifolius were evaluated. The OECD (No. 423)  limit test was followed to determine the LD₅₀ in Swiss mice, while for the sub-chronic toxicity in Wistar rats, the OECD  407 guideline was followed. Acute toxicity studies in rats revealed no mortality or observable toxicity symptoms at doses  of 2000, 5000 mg/kg for a 14-day observation period. The 28-day toxicity tests of the extract showed no significant  changes in body weight, food and water intake, urine output and faecal output. Haematological parameters, kidney function indices, and liver function parameters showed no significant effect after treatment with m. Histological examination of various organs showed no changes in the normal architecture of the cells in the  tissues of the organs. Thus, based on the results, Tapinanthus cordifolius is considered relatively safe when  administered orally at the dose tested.