Subacute toxicological profile of Caladium bicolor Aiton (Araceae) methanolic leaf extract in rat

Context: Caladium bicolor is used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of convulsions without any scientific information of its safety profile following repeated administration. Aims: To evaluate the sub-acute toxicological profile of the methanol leaf extract of C. bicolor. Methods: Oral acute toxicity test was done using Lorke's method. Oral sub-acute toxicity was done for 28 days, with hematological, biochemical and histological markers of toxicity evaluated. Results: The results showed no significant change in the organ weights of rats. Hematological indices were comparable with control groups except for a slight increase in monocyte levels (p<0.05). There were no significant changes in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels when compared to the control. However, there was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), levels in the rats treated with the extract. There were no significant differences in the values of serum lipids. Photomicrographs of the heart, lungs, brain, spleen, and liver showed no abnormalities, but in the kidneys, focal infiltrate of lymphocytes disrupting the renal tubules and interstitium were observed at 400 mg/kg/day. Conclusions: The methanolic extract of C. bicolor appears safe; however, prolonged use might lead to renal failure.