HOME JOURNALS CONTACT

International Journal of Pharmacology

Year: 2006 | Volume: 2 | Issue: 4 | Page No.: 463-466
DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2006.463.466
Acute Toxicity Potential of Methanolic Extract of Smilax kraussiana Leaves in Rats
Paul A. Nwafor, Memfin Ekpo, Tony Waka Udezi, Jude Okokon and Augustine L. Bassey

Abstract: The acute toxicity study of methanolic extract of Smilax kraussiana leaves was investigated in rats. The parameters studied were the liver enzymes (transaminases), cholesterol, protein, creatinine and urea serum levels as well as the ionic analysis. Both alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) showed a significant (p<0.01-0.001) non dose-dependent decreases in serum levels. There were also non dose dependent decreases in cholesterol, protein and creatinine serum levels (p<0.001). The serum level of urea did not indicate a significant change. Sodium and chloride ions showed discriminatory rise in serum levels especially in high doses (p<0.05-0.001) while the potassium serum level remained statistically insignificant. The physical signs of toxicity ranged from decreased motor activity with loss of appetite to increased respiratory rate, restlessness, gasping and death. The median lethal dose was calculated to be (240.00±49.44 mg kg-1). The extract may in part possess some antihepatotoxic effects.

Fulltext PDF Fulltext HTML

How to cite this article
Paul A. Nwafor, Memfin Ekpo, Tony Waka Udezi, Jude Okokon and Augustine L. Bassey, 2006. Acute Toxicity Potential of Methanolic Extract of Smilax kraussiana Leaves in Rats. International Journal of Pharmacology, 2: 463-466.

© Science Alert. All Rights Reserved