Acute toxicity: a comparative study on the methanol extract of three selected plants reported to have anticancer properties

  • Authors

    • Oladipo Miriam Oluchi Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue state, Nigeria
    • Oladipo Bamidele Fatai Del Scan Services Limited. 12th, 7th Avenue off Inikpi Street, High Level, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
    • Nwankwo Henry Chukwuebuka Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue state, Nigeria
    • Bosha Joel A Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue state, Nigeria
    • Saganuwan Alhaji Saganuwan Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue state, Nigeria
    • Onyeyili Patrick Azubuike Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue state, Nigeria
    2024-07-26
    https://doi.org/10.14419/vf8xdc66
  • Acute Toxicity; Lethal Median Dose (LD50); Curcuma Longa; Datura Metel; Phoenix Dactylifera.

  • Abstract

    Background: An acute toxicity study evaluates the harmful effects of substances absorbed through any route and utilizes parameters like LD50 to assess toxicity. While mortality is commonly used as a primary endpoint, considering signs of toxicity is crucial as they indicate adverse effects on internal organs, which can lead to lasting damage or death.

    Objectives: This study compares the acute toxicity of three medicinal plants with anticancer properties, highlighting the importance of understanding their safety profiles despite their therapeutic potential.

    Methods: The acute toxicity of methanol extracts from Curcuma longa rhizome, Datura metel fruits, and Phoenix dactylifera fruits in rats were compared to determine the safest of the three plant extracts. A new modified method was employed to estimate the Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) and the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL). Each dose level involved three (3) rats, with a default dose progression of log 3.2 if the animal dies or a sign of toxicity is observed.

    Results: While no mortality occurred at a dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight for any extract, signs of toxicity were observed. Histological changes were noted in animals without apparent signs of toxicity, challenging the assumption that LD50 values exceeding 5000 mg/kg body weight indicate non-toxicity. Threshold dose analysis revealed differences in toxicity among the extracts. Curcuma longa rhizome methanol extract demonstrated the highest safety margin.

    Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of considering signs of toxicity alongside mortality in acute toxicity assessments.

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  • How to Cite

    Oladipo Miriam Oluchi, Bamidele Fatai , O. ., Henry Chukwuebuka , N. ., Joel A , B. ., Alhaji Saganuwan , S. ., & Patrick Azubuike, O. . . (2024). Acute toxicity: a comparative study on the methanol extract of three selected plants reported to have anticancer properties. International Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 12(1), 17-26. https://doi.org/10.14419/vf8xdc66