Toxicity assessment of methanol extract of Parinari curatellifolia Planch ex. Benth

Abstract

Parinari curatellifolia is mostly employed in the treatments of leukemia, anemia and malaria. The study was to determine the hematological, biochemical and histopathological effects of methanol stem bark extract of Parinari curatellifolia (PCME) on liver and kidney of adult female Wistar rats. The oral acute (Lorke’s method) and sub-chronic toxicity of PCME were evaluate. Adult female Wistar rats were grouped into group I (n=6), normal control (5mL/kg of distilled water) and groups II-IV (100, 200 and 400mg/kg/day of PCME, n=6 each) for 30 days. On 31st day, biochemical, hematological and histopathological parameters were assessed. The LD50 was found greater than 5000mg/kg. In hematological parameters, RBC showed an increase in the treatment groups, however, the increment was not significant. HCT, PLT, MCH and MCHC levels were significantly increased (p<0.05) while WBC levels in all PCME groups were reduced (p<0.05). Amongst the liver biochemical parameters, only the ALP activity was significantly (p<0.05) raised. In kidney biochemical parameters, serum potassium and chloride were significantly (p<0.05) reduced. Histopathological findings on the liver showed mild infiltrating leukocytes, vascular congestion and piece meal necrosis compared to the normal anatomic features while that of the kidney appeared normal. In conclusion, PCME may be slightly toxic to the liver on repeated administration.