Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Sub-Chronic Toxicity Study of Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Telfairia Occidentalis Hook. F. (Cucurbitaceae) in Rats

Version 1 : Received: 5 August 2017 / Approved: 7 August 2017 / Online: 7 August 2017 (16:00:43 CEST)

How to cite: Akindele, A.J.; Oladimeji-Salami, J.A.; Oyetola, R.A.; Osiagwu, D.D. Sub-Chronic Toxicity Study of Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Telfairia Occidentalis Hook. F. (Cucurbitaceae) in Rats. Preprints 2017, 2017080024. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints201708.0024.v1 Akindele, A.J.; Oladimeji-Salami, J.A.; Oyetola, R.A.; Osiagwu, D.D. Sub-Chronic Toxicity Study of Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Telfairia Occidentalis Hook. F. (Cucurbitaceae) in Rats. Preprints 2017, 2017080024. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints201708.0024.v1

Abstract

Background: The leaf of Telfairia occidentalis Hook f. (Cucurbitaceae) is consumed in different parts of Nigeria because of the numerous nutritional and medicinal attributes ascribed to it. The sub-chronic toxicity of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis (TO) was investigated in this study. Methods: Rats in different groups were separately administered 80, 400 and 2000 mg/kg TO p.o. for 60 days. Animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected for haematological and biochemical analysis. Vital organs were harvested and evaluated for in vivo antioxidants and histopathological changes. Results: Results showed no significant changes in the weight of vital organs except in respect of the testes of the group treated with 2000 mg/kg extract which showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in weight compared to the control group. There was a significant (p<0.01) increase in sperm motility and count of the group administered 80 mg/kg extract and a significant (p<0.001) reduction was observed at 2000 mg/kg. There were significant increases in the level of Hb and PCV at 80 and 2000 mg/kg of the extract. In respect of liver function parameters, a significant decrease in AST and ALT levels at doses of 400 and 2000 mg/kg relative to control was observed. A significant reduction (p<0.05) in the level of total cholesterol (400 mg/kg) and increase (p<0.05) in level of HDL (80-2000 mg/kg) compared to control was observed. There was also significant (p<0.05) increase in the level of MDA and significant (p<0.05) decrease in SOD level in the testes at 2000 mg/kg. Histopathological assessment of the testes revealed abnormality at this dose. These effects were reversed after 30 days of cessation of administration of TO. Conclusions: The findings showed that the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis is relatively non-toxic on acute and sub-chronic exposure, with potential to elicit anti-anaemic effect, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, and enhance antioxidant status in the brain and liver. Although possibly beneficial at low dose, the extract could be harmful to the testes on prolonged oral exposure at high dose.

Keywords

Telfairia occidentalis; Cucurbitaceae; subchronic; toxicity; biochemical; haematological

Subject

Medicine and Pharmacology, Pharmacology and Toxicology

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