Toxicity profile of the aqueous methanol stem bark extract of Erythrina senegalensis DC. (Fabaceae) in rodents

Abstract

Erythrina senegalensis DC. (Fabaceae) is widely used in African traditional medicine, particularly the stem bark, which is employed in treating ailments such as malaria, jaundice, gastrointestinal disorders, and inflammation. Its extensive folkloric use underscores the need for rigorous toxicological validation. This study evaluated the acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity of the crude aqueous methanol extract of the stem bark (CAMEES) in Wistar rats. Acute toxicity was assessed using Lorke’s method, while sub-chronic toxicity followed the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guideline 407. In the 28-day sub-chronic study, fifty-six rats (28 males and 28 females) were divided into four groups (n = 7/sex/group) and administered 0 (control), 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg/day of CAMEES orally. Parameters evaluated included body weight, food intake, haematology, serum biochemistry, organ weight, and histopathology. No mortality or observable clinical toxicity was recorded in the acute phase, and the oral LD₅₀ was estimated to exceed 5000 mg/kg. Sub-chronic administration did not cause significant alterations in body weight or food consumption. However, significant increases in serum glucose (8.4 ± 0.9 vs. 7.2 ± 1.8 mmol/L; P = 0.043), total cholesterol (385.6 ± 68.2 vs. 305.1 ± 6.2 mmol/L; P = 0.039), and albumin (4.9 ± 0.2 vs. 3.7 ± 0.4 g/L; P = 0.046) were observed at specific doses. Mild sex-related variations in lymphocyte and platelet counts were also noted (P < 0.05). Histological examination revealed no lesions in major organs. Overall, CAMEES exhibited a favorable safety profile, supporting its continued investigation for therapeutic applications.