Kodjo Selom Evenamede, Kokou Idoh, Komi Michael Fulbert Adanlemegbe, Essowè Badanèzi Potcho, Kafui Kpegba and Amegnona Agbonon

Plant extracts contain a variety of chemical compounds with different biological activities. Some of these extracts may be toxic to human health. The aim of this study was to carry out phytochemical screening and assess the toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of Dichapetalum guineense (DC.) Keay. The phytochemical study has been carried out using qualitative methods. In the acute toxicity study, a single dose of 5000 mg/kg of D. guineense was orally administered to healthy Wistar rats. Rats were observed for mortality and clinical signs for few hours, then daily for 14 days. In the subchronic toxicity study, 300 and 600 mg/kg were orally administered to rats daily for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the treatment, rats were sacrificed for haematological, biochemical and histological examinations. Results showed that the hydroethanol extract contained terpenoids, coumarins, mucilages, anthraquinones, tannins and flavonoids, with a notable absence of alkaloids. The extract was non-toxic at a single dose of 5000 mg/kg. No abnormalities were observed in any of the rats treated. The LD50 is greater than 5000 mg/kg. After daily administration of repeated doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg, the extract did not cause any significant change in the relative organ weights. The majority of biochemical and haematological parameters were not affected by the extract. However, the extract induced a significant increase in glycaemia at 600 mg/kg. Histological observations did not show any significant abnormality. Overall, results show that D. gueneens is relatively safe.

DOI: 10.22271/phyto.2024.v13.i2e.14914

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