Toxicity studies of extract of African Mistletoe: Agelanthus Dodoneifolius Polh and Wiens in Rats

Abstract

Agelathus dodoneifolius (AD) which is also known as African mistletoe is widely used to treat different diseases such as circulatory and respiratory diseases, malaria, diabetes, hypertension and sterility. The sub-acute toxicity studies of water extract of Agelathus dodoneifolius was undertaken to assess its safety and tolerability profile in long term treatment. Sub-acute toxicity (21-days) studies with Agelathus dodoneifolius were done on rats to determine its consequences on food and fluid intake, body weight, heamatological, biochemical, and mortality. Rats treated with the extracts had progressive decrease in food, fluid intake and body weight which was significantly (P< 0.05) and highly significant (P< 0.01) different from control. The water extract increased both haematological and liver function indices significantly compare to the control. The renal function parameters were not significantly different in all the groups. These preliminary results suggest that water extract of Agelanthus dodoneifolius was likely to be nontoxic. However, increase in liver enzymes will require further histopathological and chronic toxicity evaluation to confirm its safety.