volume 15 | Issue 1
volume 15 | Issue 1
volume 15 | Issue 1
volume 15 | Issue 1
volume 15 | Issue 1
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicity profile of aqueous leaf extract of Launaea taraxacifolia in Wistar rats. Methods: Acute toxicity was investigated using Lorke’s method, while sub-acute toxicity was assessed using the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guideline. The first phase of the acute toxicity study had nine Wistar rats randomly divided into three groups (n = 3) and administered doses of 10, 100 and 1000mg/kg (orally [po]) leaf extract of LT, respectively. In the second phase, four groups (n = 1) received doses of 1200, 1600, 2900 and 5000 mg/kg (po) of the extract, respectively. For the sub-acute toxicity study, 20 rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 5). Group 1 received 10ml/kg distilled water, while Groups 2–4 received 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg (po) of the extract, respectively, for 28 days. Results: Acute toxicity result showed no mortality in both phases of the study. In the sub-acute studies, significant increases in platelets in all treatment groups and RBC at the highest dose (1000 mg/kg) of the extract were observed (P < 0.05). There was a significant increase in sodium and potassium ions, while the liver function indices showed a significant elevation in alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase at 500 and 1000mg/kg treatment doses. Histological examinations of the rat’s kidney, liver, heart and spleen all showed normal cells; only follicular hyperplasia, congestion and oedema were seen in the spleen for groups treated with 500 and 1000mg/kg doses of the plant.