Background/Aim: The decoction of Codiaeum variegatum leaves is used by Cameroonian local population in the treatment of amoebic dysentery. The present study was carried out to investigate the safety of the aqueous extract of Codiaeum variegatum leaves on mice and rats of both sexes.
Methods: For the acute toxicity study, seven groups of 8 Wistar mice (4 males and 4 females) received orally once distilled water (10 mL.Kg-1) and the aqueous extract in a single dose of 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 g.Kg-1. These mice were observed for mortality after 48 hours and thereafter for clinical signs daily for 14 days. In the subchronic toxicity evaluation, four groups of 12 Wistar rats (6 males and 6 females) received distilled water (10 mL.Kg-1) and the aqueous extract at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg.Kg-1 by oral gavage for 28 consecutive days. The body weight was evaluated every 2 days for each animal and after sacrifice, the relative weight of vital organs was determined. Blood serum was used for the analysis of biochemical markers of renal and hepatic toxicity.
Results: The administration of the aqueous extract in both acute and subchronic toxicity evaluation did not cause neither significant visible signs of toxicity nor mortality and no significant changes were observed on body weight, relative organ weight and biochemical parameters in treated groups compared to the control groups respectively.
Conclusion: These results demonstrated that the aqueous extract of Codiaeum variegatum leaves is non-toxic and may be safely used for its therapeutic application.
Key words: Aqueous extract, Codiaeum variegatum, acute toxicity, subchronic toxicity, biochemical parameters, mice and rats.
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