Acute and Subacute Toxicity Evaluation of the Methanolic Extract of Persea americana Mill

Abstract

Background: The growing use of medicinal plants as an alternative therapy for a variety of diseases has gained significant attention, leading to increased scientific investigation into their bioactive compounds and pharmacological properties. However, the toxicity profile of such plants remains insufficiently documented. Objective: This study investigated the acute and subacute toxicity of the methanolic extract of Persea americana leaves in Wistar rats. Methods: Acute and subacute toxicities were studied according to OECD guidelines number 423 and 407 protocols, respectively. The P. americana methanol leaf extract was administered at a single oral dose to Wistar rats, followed by a 14-day observation period for potential signs of toxicity and mortality. For the subacute toxicity test, animals received orally 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of P. americana methanol leaf extract for 28 days. Body weights, histology of the liver, kidneys and pancreas, haematological and biochemical parameters of toxicity were recorded in the experimental animals. Results: The single oral administration of rats with P. americana methanol leaf extract did not induce any mortality or clinical signs of toxicity in rats. In the subacute toxicity test (28 days), repeated oral doses of P. americana methanol leaf extract at 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg induced an increase in the number of white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and platelets. Serum levels of ALT, ALP and uric acid were also increased in rats administered with the plant extract at higher doses (400 and 800 mg/kg). However, these parameters returned to normalcy after 14 days’ post-treatment. Conclusion: Upon acute toxicity study, P. americana methanol leaf extract revealed LD50 value greater than 5000 mg/kg. Repeated doses of this extract for 28 days did not alter organ histological sections, haematological, and biochemical parameters of toxicity in rats. These results demonstrate the non-toxicity of P. americana at the doses tested.