Abstract

Acute and sub-acute toxicity of ethanol (95% v/v) extract of aerial parts of Cansjera rheedii J. Gmelin (Opiliaceae) was evaluated in Swiss mice and Wistar albino rats. The acute toxicity studies were conducted as per the OECD guidelines 420, where the limit test dose of 2000 mg/kg used. Observations were made and recorded systemically on 1, 2, 4 and 24 h after dose administration for skin changes, morbidity, aggressivity, sensitivity of the sound and pain, as well as respiratory movement.  For the sub acute toxicity, four groups of 6 rats (3 male and 3 female) were received, distilled water (control) 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg of extracts every 24 h orally for 28 days. No significant variation (p < 0.05) in the body and organ weights between the control and the treated group was observed after 28 days of treatment. Haematological analysis and clinical blood chemistry revealed no toxic effects of the extract. Pathologically, neither gross abnormalities nor histopathological changes were observed. No mortality was recorded in 28 days.

Key words: Cansjera rheedii, acute, sub-acute, histopathology, biochemical parameters.