Abstract

In a risk assessment and safety evaluation, the effect of Rauwolfia Vomitoria Afzel (Apocynaceae) extract on serum amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase activities and selected indices of liver and kidney functions were investigated. Ethanolic root and leaf extracts of R. vomitoria Afzel (Apocynaceae) were administered externally by gastric intubation to two groups of rats at dose 524 mg/kg body weight for a 7 day period. The control received 2 ml of saline for the same period. Biochemical and clinical indices of toxicity; serum aminotransferases, urea, creatinine, total bilrubin, albumin and electrolytes were assessed in serum obtained from treated animals as well as those in the control groups. The extract at the doses administered produced a significant (p<0.05) increase in serum aminotransferases [asparate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)], alkaline phosphatase activities, serum conjugated bilirubin and urea concentration but a decrease in serum albumin and potassium concentrations relative to controls. The spectrum of changes in biochemical and clinical indices of toxicity were more pronounced with the root extract than the leaf extract. The results of this present work showed that hepatocellulular derangement and poor renal function is more pronounced in the ethanolic root extracts compared with the ethanolic leaf extracts.

Key words: Rauwolfia vomitoria, biochemical/clinical-indices, hepatocellular derangement, renal function.