Abstract

Aqueous extract of Clematis brachiata Thunb. leaves at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight was investigated for its toxic effect in male Wistar rats on days 1, 7 and 21. The extract at all the doses did not significantly (P > 0.05) alter the liver- and kidney-body weight ratio, conjugated bilirubin, total protein, globulin, sodium, potassium, chloride, inorganic phosphorus, calcium ions, LDL-C, RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC and RCDW levels throughout the exposure period. In contrast, albumin, urea, HDL-C, LUC, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils levels increased. The 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the total bilirubin only at the end of the experimental period whereas the 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight increased the bilirubin content of the animals. Whereas the increase in serum GGT activity did not manifest until after the 21 daily doses of the extract, the activities of serum ALP and AST increased throughout the exposure period. In addition, serum ALT activity was not altered by the extract. WBC, platelet, lymphocytes, uric acid, triacylglycerol and the computed atherogenic index were reduced by the extract. The results have suggested that the aqueous extract of C. brachiata leaves may be clinically beneficial to the animals as it may not predispose to cardiovascular risk, but has selective toxic effect on the haematological parameters and the functional indices of the liver and kidney of male rats. Overall, the extract of C. brachiata leaves is not completely safe when repeatedly consumed for three weeks at the doses investigated for three weeks.

Key words: Clematis brachiata, cardiovascular risk, functional indices, haematological parameters, selective toxicity, serum lipids.