Acute toxicity studies of the leaf extract of Ficus exasperata on haematological parameters, body weight and body temperature.
BACKGROUND
The plant, Ficus exasperata is popularly used in Nigeria and in several parts of Africa for a variety of ailments.


OBJECTIVE
This study was thus mapped out to investigate the toxicity profile of the aqueous leaf extract (AET) on haematological parameters, body weight and body temperature in mice.


METHODS
In the present study, AET was evaluated for acute toxicity over 24 h and 14-day periods. The LD(50) was assessed via oral and intraperitoneal administration.


RESULTS
The LD(50) was indeterminable via the oral route but was determined to be 0.54 g/kg i.p. In the 24h and 14 days single dose study, oral administration of 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg of AET produced neither mortality nor changes in behavior or any other physiological activity in mice. Body weights and body temperatures were not significantly altered. Haematological analysis showed no marked differences in any of the parameters examined (WBC count, platelet and haemoglobin estimation) in either the control or treated groups. However, the 14 days daily dose study showed significant increase in body temperature (p<0.05) and a significant decrease in the red blood cell count, haemoglobin count and haematocrit values (p<0.05), while other parameters remained unchanged.


CONCLUSIONS
In summary, AET was found to be relatively safe on short-term oral administration. However, chronic toxicity studies are required for the support of the safe use of this plant.
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, 300001, Nigeria. tomebafor@yahoo.com
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D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004906:Erythrocyte Count; D005260:Female; D030681:Ficus / Q000737:chemistry*; D006400:Hematocrit; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D007928:Lethal Dose 50; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional; D051379:Mice; D009549:Nigeria; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000633:toxicity*; D018515:Plant Leaves; D013997:Time Factors; D023382:Toxicity Tests, Acute
D006454:Hemoglobins; D010936:Plant Extracts