Assessment of the acute, subacute and Subchronic toxicity of a total aqueous extract of leaves of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach and Thonn) Müll Arg (Euphorbiaceae) on rats Wistar

Abstract

The leaves of Alchornea cordifolia are traditionally used by African populations for the treatment of several diseases. The acute toxicity study concluded that the total aqueous extract of Alchornea cordifolia (ETAAC) is not toxic by single administration and that its LD50 is greater than 5000 mg/kg of body weight (bw). Tests carried out by daily administration of ETAAC did not result in any significant change in the body weight of the animals and the weight of vital organs. After 28 days of treatment, no significant difference was observed in the figurative elements of the blood and in the biochemical parameters. Significant decreases were observed in urea and alanine-amino transferase after 60 days of treatment. Alchornea cordifolia does not affect the functioning of the kidneys, liver and heart. It is therefore not toxic at doses of 100 mg/kg of bw, 200 mg/kg of bw and 400 mg/kg of bw in rats.