Acute and sub-chronic toxicity study of methanol stem bark extract of Bombax costatum Pellgr. Et Vuillet (Bombacaceae) in mice

Abstract

<strong>Background & Aim:</strong><em>Bombax costatum</em>is widely used in the African traditional medicine for the management of liver diseases, fever, epilepsy and pain but its safety on prolong administration have not been evaluated. The present study aimed at evaluating the toxicological properties of the methanol stem bark extract (MSBE) of <em>Bombax costatum</em>.<br /> <strong>Experimental: </strong>Oral median lethal dose (LD₅₀) was estimated. Effects of methanol stem bark extract of <em>Bombax costatum</em> (MSBE)(31.25, 62.5 and 125 mg/kg) on mean body weight, relative organ weight (ROW), liver function, kidney function, lipid profile, haematological parameters and histopathological changes in some organs were evaluated following 28 days daily oral administration to mice.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> Oral LD₅₀of MSBE of <em>B. costatum</em> was estimated to be >5000 mg/kg. There was significant (<em>p</em>>0.005) increase in mean body weight of mice over time. The extract caused significant (<em>p</em><0.05) increase in ROW of liver and significant (<em>p</em><0.05) decrease in ROW of the kidneys at 125mg/kg. Significant increase in alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were also observed at 125 mg/kg when compared to normal control group. Mild to moderate necrosis were also observed in the liver and kidneys of treated groups.<br /> <strong>Recommended applications/industries:</strong> The results suggested that prolong oral administration of methanol stem bark extract of <em>B.costatum</em> at doses higher than 62.5 mg/kg might be toxic to the liver and kidneys.