Acute And Sub Chronic Toxicity Of Tridax Procumbens In Experimental Animals

Abstract

The studies focused on the toxicity of ethyl acetate extract of Tridax procumbens (Compositeae) reported to have various pharmacological effects, antimicrobial activities against gram-positive and gramnegative bacteria and to stimulate wound healing. The acute toxicity was carried out using the method of Lorkes. In the subchronic study, rats received intraperitoneally T. procumbens at doses of 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. Serum biochemical parameters, haematological analysis and histopathology of liver and kidneys were assessed after the last administration. After acute administration, signs of toxicity observed include salivation, rubbing at site of application, nose and mouth on the floor of the cage and restlessness. The LD50 of the extract was 2100 mg/kg body weight, and all the survived animals gained body weight and organ / body weight ratio as compared to the untreated control (P<0.05). In sub chronic study, all the animals gained body weight and organ / body weight ratio. Liver and kidney function tests were assessed by determining levels of some serum biochemical parameters (sodium, potassium, transaminases, urea, total protein and glucose). There were significant decrease in glucose levels (P<0.05) and significant increase in Alanine amino transaminase (ALT) and decrease in Aspartate amino transaminase (AST) activities with 800mg/kg producing highest effect (P<0.05). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, urea, total proteins and electrolyte levels were not affected significantly (P>0.05). The ethyl acetate extract treated rats increased the Packed Cell Volume (PCV), erythrocyte and leucocyte count (P>0.05) compared to untreated control. The results of histopathological studies showed that ethyl acetate extract had endothelial toxicity at high dose level destroying the blood vessels leading to haemorrhage as indicated by haemosiderin deposition throughout the entire kidney and liver parenchyma. It was concluded that the extract at higher doses had some specific toxic effect which was corroborated by the result of histopathology where there was haemosiderin deposition.