Acute and chronic toxicity profiles of the methanol leaf extract of Acacia ataxacantha D.C (Leguminosae) in Wistar rats

Acacia ataxacantha various parts have been reportedly used as herbal remedy for treatment of pains, microbial infections, ulcers, respiratory infection, mineral and vitamins supplements and dysentery. This study was conducted to ascertain the toxicity profile of methanol extract of Acacia ataxacantha in laboratory animals. The acute and chronic toxicity study was conducted according to the method of Lorke (1983) and OECD guidelines (2008) respectively. The oral lethal median dose (LD₅₀) of the extract was estimated to ≥5000 mg/kg. The extract significantly increases (p ≤ 0.05) the liver (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase) and kidney (creatinine, urea and sodium ion) parameters at the dose of 400 mg/kg body weight. Histological examination revealed moderate glomerular necrosis and lymphocytes hyperplasia on the kidney (50, 200 and 400 mg/kg), the liver showed hepatocellular necrosis with kupffer cells hyperplasia, while mild mucosa necrosis was observed on stomach tissues. The extract is safe on acute administration, however prolong use may produce harmful effect on the liver, kidney and stomach.