Acute and Reproductive Toxicity of Freeze-dried and Steam-dried Extracts of Tradomal® in Drosophila melanogaster

Background and Purpose: Tradomal® is an herbal preparation containing Senna siamea that is marketed for the treatment of malaria in Northern Nigeria. The study evaluated the acute and reproductive toxicity of freeze-dried and steam-dried extracts of Tradomal® in Drosophila melanogaster. Methods: The acute toxic effect of the plant was evaluated by determining its LC50. The reproductive toxicity of the extracts was evaluated via its effect on the eclosion of adult melanogaster flies. Results: Both steam-dried and freeze-dried extracts of Tradomal® showed LC50 of 2767.83 mg/10 g and 4475.74 mg/10 g of meal respectively. Although the steam-dried extract did not affect fly eclosion, the freeze-dried extract significantly (P<0.05) inhibited the emergence of adult flies from the pupae. Conclusion: The extracts are relatively safe, but the method of drying can influence their effects on reproduction in fruit flies.