Acute and 28-day toxicity evaluation of hydroethanolic extract of Eragrostis tremula (Poaceae) in Wistar rats

Abstract

Eragrostis tremula is utilized in Nigeria and other African countries as a memory enhancer, lactation stimulant, antiemetic, aphrodisiac and remedy for snake bites. Scientific reports revealed that this plant has anti-oxidant, anticholinesterase, cytotoxic and memory enhancing properties; despite these potentials, there is paucity of safety data to support its continued usage. This study investigated the toxicity profile of hydroethanolic extract of E. tremula (HEET) in Wistar rats. Acute and sub-acute (28 days at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg per oral) toxicity tests were conducted using OECD 425 and 407 guidelines respectively. Limit test at 5,000 mg/kg was conducted to ascertain the midpoint lethal dose (LD50). The LD50 of HEET was above 5000 mg/kg per oral and no significant alterations in haematological parameters and tissue morphology were observed. In the sub-acute study, no death was recorded. There were no changes in food intake, organ/body weight, lipid profile, liver and renal function indices. However, histology of the kidneys showed slight tubular adhesion and glomerular necrosis. HEET was practically safe after acute administration with no practical deleterious effect at 250 mg/kg after prolonged administration in rats. However, 28 days administration of high doses caused slight kidney injury.