Author(s):

Taofeeq Oduola, Abdulahi Abubakar Ngaski, Safiyya Aminu Idris, Abdurrasheed Muhammed Ola, Samuel Ayooye Ajayi, Fatimah Aiyelabegan and Ganiyat Busayo Oduola

Abstract: Gliricidia sepium aqueous leaf extract is being used in parts of Nigeria by herbalists in the management of sickle cell disease. However, its safety for human consumption have not been evaluated, hence this study was designed to investigate the effect of ingestion of the extract on the liver functions in Wistar rats. The acute oral toxicity (LD₅₀) and subchronic toxicity studies of the leaf extract was determined in Wistar rats according to the procedures of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD 423 Limit test) and OECD 407 respectively. At the end of the procedures, the rats were sacrificed; blood samples and liver were taken for liver function profile and histological examination respectively using standard techniques. In both acute oral and subchronic toxicity studies, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the biochemical and histology results of both experimental and control rats. Gliricidia sepium aqueous leaf extract is relatively non-toxic and unlikely to induce liver damage.

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