Search

Guava (Psidium guajava Linn) is a common fruit tree in Nigeria with different species; the leaves, fruits, and the bark are often used in folklore for different medicinal purposes. However, there is a dearth of information on safety assessment of the leaves extract of guava from different species. These studies conducted toxicological evaluation of white, red, and pink guava leaves extract in rats for 14 days. Oral administration of 50, 500, and 5000 mg/kg BWT was carried out; they were observed for toxicity signs hourly for the first 6 h after administration, and every day of the experimental period. Clinical indicators, body weight differences, mortality, and biochemical parameters were examined during the experimental period. There were no deaths, a slight body weight increase was observed in the rats, and no clinical sign was noticed throughout the period of the experiment. There were no significant changes in the rat tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the serum liver indicator enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphate (ALP), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), bilirubin) and serum renal marker enzymes (creatinine, urea, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)) of rats administered when compared with the control. This entail that the NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) estimate of white, red, and pink guava leaves extract is 50–5000 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: The plant, Ficus exasperata is popularly used in Nigeria and in several parts of Africa for a variety of ailments. Aim of study: This study was thus mapped out to investigate the toxicity profile of the aqueous leaf extract (AET) on haematological parameters, body weight and body temperature in mice. Methodology: In the present study, AET was evaluated for acute toxicity over 24h and 14-day periods. The LD50 was assessed via oral and intraperitoneal administration. Results: The LD50 was indeterminable via the oral route but was determined to be 0.54g/kg i.p. In the 24h and 14 days single dose study, oral administration of 2.5, 5, 10 and 20g/kg of AET produced neither mortality nor changes in behavior or any other physiological activity in mice. Body weights and body temperatures were not significantly altered. Haematological analysis showed no marked differences in any of the parameters examined (WBC count, platelet and haemoglobin estimation) in either the control or treated groups. However, the 14 days daily dose study showed significant increase in body temperature (p <0.05) and a significant decrease in the red blood cell count, haemoglobin count and haematocrit values (p <0.05), while other parameters remained unchanged. Conclusion: In summary, AET was found to be relatively safe on short-term oral administration. However, chronic toxicity studies are required for the support of the safe use of this plant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]