Toxicity of Kigelia africana Fruit in Rats

Aims: To evaluate the acute and chronic toxicity of the aqueous extract of Kigelia africana fruit in Wistar albino rats.

Methodology: The aqueous extract of K. africana fruit was administered orally to the rats in group 2, and 3 at a dose of 50, 500 mg/ kg body weight, respectively for test of chronic toxicity. Group 4 received 2000 mg/ kg for acute toxicity, whereas Group 1 was kept as a control. The animals were observed for clinical signs and mortality. The weights of animals were recorded at a weekly interval till the end of the experiment, and blood samples were collected weekly for hematological test and biochemical analysis. Livers and kidneys with pathological lesions were kept in 10% formalin for histopathological investigation.

Results: All animals survived in the four groups, and no mortality was recorded. The percentage of weight gain was highest in the control group. The hematological and biochemical parameters were not affected in group 2 and 3. White blood cells (WBC) were significantly (P<.0.05) increased in group 4 while red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly (P< 0.05) decreased. Total protein, and albumin were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased; cholesterol, creatinine and Urea wee significantly (P < 0.05) increased. Bilirubin was not affected in all groups. Alanine Transaminase, ALT (Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase GPT), Asparate Transaminase, AST (Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase, GOT) and ALP (Alkaline phosphatase) were significantly elevated.

Conclusion: The highest dose of the aqueous extract of K. africana fruit may have some hepatorenal toxic effects.