Subchronic Toxicity Study of the Extract of Sacoglottis gabonensis (Baille) Urban (Humiriaceae) in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Sacoglottis gabonensis (Baille) Urban (Humiriaceae) is a medicinal plant used in the treatment of Buruli ulcer in Ivory Coast. To ensure its effect over a long period of use, the subchronic toxicity of the total aqueous extract of S. gabonensis stem bark (ETASg) in rats was evaluated.

Methods: 80 rats were homogeneously distributed in 4 lots of 20 rats each, including 10 males and 10 females. ETASg was administered daily orally for 90 days for 2 mL/100 g body weight (b.w.) rats at doses of 3.5; 35 and 350 mg/kg b.w. The control group received distilled water. A venous blood sample is taken every 30 days for 90 days to determine serum biochemical parameters.

Results: The study showed that ETASg did not influence serum biochemical markers at the therapeutic dose of 3.5 mg/kg b. w. significant increases in ASAT serum activity, ALT, PAL, and LDH in rats tested at 35 and 350 mg/kg b. w. was found on the 60th and 90th days. Administration of ETASg did not affect most of the metabolites and electrolytes studied at doses of 3.5; 35 and 350 mg/kg b. w. After 30 days of discontinuing oral administration of ETASg, the increase observed at the 350 mg/kg b. w. is moderate and reversible.

Conclusion: This study revealed that ETASg is nontoxic for biochemical parameters, at doses of 3.5; 35 and 350 mg/kg b. w. during 90 days of administration in rats.