TOXICOLOGICAL, ANTIPYRETIC, ANALGESIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF DALBERGIA SAXATILIS HOOK. F (FABACEAE) IN RATS AND MICE

TOXICOLOGICAL, ANTIPYRETIC, ANALGESIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF DALBERGIA SAXATILIS HOOK. F (FABACEAE) IN RATS AND MICE

Abstract:

The decoction of the leaves of Dalbegia saxatilis is used in Traditional Medicine for various ailments such as cough, small pox, skin lesions, bronchial ailments and toothache. The study was aimed at establishing a safety profile, evaluating phytochemical constituents and some Pharmacological properties of methanol leaf extract of Dalbergia saxatilis. Acute toxicity study was carried out as described by Lorke (1983) in both mice and rats. Sub-chronic toxicity studies were carried out in rats in accordance with WHO (1992) and OECD 407 (1995) guidelines. Phytochemical constituents were screened as described by Brain and Turner (1975) and Evans (2002). The antipyretic effect was investigated using Brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia in rats, hotplate method and acetic acid induced writhing test in mice were used to evaluate the analgesic effect, while Carrageenan induced paw oedema model in rats was used to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of the extract. The extract was administered at doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg. The median lethal dose in both mice and rats was found to be above 5000 mg/kg. There was no significant increase in body weight at all doses tested, except in the 500 mg/kg group in the fourth week at p<0.05. No statistically significant difference was observed in the relative organ weight ratio at all doses of the extract. Significant increase in alanine and aspartate transferases was observed at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg at p< 0.01 and p< 0.05, and 250 mg/kg at p< 0.01 respectively. A statistical significant reduction in number of white blood cells was observed at all the doses of the extract, at p < 0.01, p < 0.001 and p < 0.01. A statistical significant reduction in sodium and chloride concentrations at p<0.05 was observed at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, for bicarbonate in 250 mg/kg at p<0.05 respectively. Histopathology revealed normal cardiac cells for heart, damaged mucosa with ulceration at 1000 mg/kg for stomach, moderate lymphocyte hyperplasia at 250 viii mg/kg, and intense lymphocyte hyperplasia at 1000 mg/kg for spleen. The liver showed vascular congestion with slight lymphocyte hyperplasia at 250 mg/kg, slight lymphocyte hyperplasia at 500 mg/kg, and slight peri-vascular necrosis at 1000 mg/kg. The kidneys showed massive necrosis of the glomerulus with tubular distortion, lymphocyte hyperplasia, intense glomerular and tubular necrosis at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg respectively. The extract was found to contain alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, and triterpenes. Statistical significant reduction in rectal temperatures were observed in standard group at 21st and 23rd hour, and in 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg doses of the extract at 23rd hour at p<0.05 compared with the 19th hour. The extract and standard significantly decreased the number of writhes caused by acetic acid at p<0.001. There was statistical significant increase in reaction time in standard group, extract 250 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg from 60 minutes at p<0.05 and p<0.01, from 30 minutes in 500 mg/kg group at p<0.05 and p<0.01 compared with 0 minute. A statistical significant decrease in paw sizes at p<0.05 and p<0.01 compared to the peak increase in both standard and test groups were observed. The extract was found to possess constituents that may be associated with its antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects observed at doses tested. It has relative acute safety, but toxic on prolonged use

TOXICOLOGICAL, ANTIPYRETIC, ANALGESIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF DALBERGIA SAXATILIS HOOK. F (FABACEAE) IN RATS AND MICE

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