title: Evaluation of acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of Crassocephalum rubens leaves in rats.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Crassocephalum rubens is found throughout tropical Africa including the Indian Ocean islands. The leaves are commonly eaten in form of soups and sauces in South-Western Nigeria, also in other humid zones of Africa. Traditionally, it is used as an antidote against any form of poisoning; used to treat stomach and liver complaints; and externally to treat burns, sore eyes, earache, leprosy and breast cancer. In this study, acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of C. rubens leaves was evaluated in rats in order to assess its safety profile.
  
  
  METHODS
  In acute toxicity study, rats were given a single oral administration of aqueous extract of C. rubens leaves at graded doses (250-5000mg/kg). The animals were monitored for behavioural changes and possible mortality over a period of 24h and thereafter, for 14 days. In the subacute toxicity study, rats of both sexes were administered C. rubens orally at doses of 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 750mg/kg and 1000mg/kg body weight daily, for 28 days. Rats were observed weekly for any changes in general behaviour and body weights. In addition, other relevant parameters were assayed at the end of the main and reversibility study periods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no observed adverse effect; including mortality in the animals. The extract caused no significant difference in the body weights as well as organs weights of treated groups when compared with the control groups. Haematological and biochemical parameters also revealed no toxic effects of the extract on rats. Histological assessments were normal in liver and kidney.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It can therefore be suggested based on the results from this study that aqueous extract of C. rubens leaves, at dosage levels up to 1000mg/kg, is non-toxic and could also offer protection on some body tissues. Aqueous extract of C. rubens could therefore, be considered safe. This study supports the application of Crassocephalum rubens in traditional medicine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, Afe Babalola University, Km 8.5, Afe Babalola Way, P.M.B. 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Electronic address: solaustine2003@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Olusola B
authors.initials: OB
authors.lastname: Adewale
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, Afe Babalola University, Km 8.5, Afe Babalola Way, P.M.B. 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Amos
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Onasanya
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, Afe Babalola University, Km 8.5, Afe Babalola Way, P.M.B. 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Scholastica O
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Anadozie
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, Afe Babalola University, Km 8.5, Afe Babalola Way, P.M.B. 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Miriam F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Abu
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, Afe Babalola University, Km 8.5, Afe Babalola Way, P.M.B. 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Idowu A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Akintan
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, Afe Babalola University, Km 8.5, Afe Babalola Way, P.M.B. 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Catherine J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Ogbole
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, Afe Babalola University, Km 8.5, Afe Babalola Way, P.M.B. 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Israel I
authors.initials: II
authors.lastname: Olayide
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, Afe Babalola University, Km 8.5, Afe Babalola Way, P.M.B. 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Olakunle B
authors.initials: OB
authors.lastname: Afolabi
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, Afe Babalola University, Km 8.5, Afe Babalola Way, P.M.B. 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Kikelomo F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Jaiyesimi
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, Afe Babalola University, Km 8.5, Afe Babalola Way, P.M.B. 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Bashir O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Ajiboye
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, Afe Babalola University, Km 8.5, Afe Babalola Way, P.M.B. 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Adewale O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Fadaka
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019659:Asteraceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D004326:Drinking / Q000187:drug effects; D004435:Eating / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D019055:No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000633:toxicity*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry*; D013997:Time Factors; D023382:Toxicity Tests, Acute; D059551:Toxicity Tests, Subacute; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012997:Solvents; D014867:Water
keywords: Acute toxicity; Biochemical parameters; Crassocephalum rubens; Haematological parameters; Subacute toxicity