Acute and subaiguous toxicity of Urera trinervis (Urticacea) Hochs. Ex Kraus leaves in laboratory Ratts

Abstract

The aim of the present work was to study the acute and subacute toxicity of the leaves of Urera trinervis (Urticacea) Hochs. Ex Kraus in laboratory rats. The acute and subacute toxicity of the aqueous extract of Urera trinervis leaves was studied in accordance with OECD 2008 guideline 425. A single administration of Urera trinervis aqueous leaf extract at a dose of 5000 mg/kg in rats did not alter the general behavior of the rats tested, and did not cause any mortality at this dose. The lethal dose 50 (LD50) of this extract is above 5000 mg/kg. The extract of the plant leaves causes a significant increase (p≤ 0.01) in the weight of the animals. The aqueous extract of Urera trinervis leaves (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg P.O.) administered for twenty-eight (28) days to rats showed a decrease in ALAT and ASAT levels, creatinine, triglyceride and cholesterol, and an increase in protein and blood sugar levels. However, at the same doses, the extract caused an increase in red blood cells, lymphocytes and neutrophils, and a decrease in platelets. In view of the results of the toxicological study, the aqueous extract of the plant's leaves still merits in-depth study in order to be given a place of choice in human gastronomy.