Acute and Sub-acute Toxicity Assessment of Euphorbia lateriflora (Schum and Thonn) in Wistar Albino Rats

Aims: The toxicity of ethanol whole plant extract of Euphorbia lateriflora was assessed in Albino Wistar rats.

Methodology: The LD50 was at single dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight, the sub-acute dosage of the extract was administered orally at 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w.t twice daily for 7 days and the effect of the extract on liver, kidney, and haematological parameters was assessed and recorded during these periods.

Results: The result of the oral acute toxicity study at single high dose of 5000 mg/kg/bwt shows that the LD50 of the extract is greater than 5000 mg/kg/bwt. After 7 days of oral administration, 500 mg/kg/bwt of the extract caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the packed cell volume. At 500 mg/kg/bwt, the extract caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in ALP, total protein and albumin and decrease in serum electrolytes (Na+, k+ and Cl-). Histopathological analysis revealed the expansion of fibrous spaces in the liver and thickening of the glomerular basement of the kidney in the group fed with 500 mg/kg/b.w.t of extracts.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the dose and time-dependent selective organ toxicity effect of this extract suggested that the extract might be relatively unsafe for consumption at especially high concentrations.