Evaluation of Acute Oral Toxicity Induced By N-Hexane Extract of Leptadenia Hastata Leaves on the Histology of the Pancreas and Spleen in Albino Rats

Introduction: This study was undertaken to investigate the toxicological profile of the n-hexane extract of Leptadenia hastata after acute administration on the histology of the pancreas and spleen of albino rats. Methodology: A total of seventeen (17) albino rats were used for the study. For the acute toxicity study, Lorke's method was adopted. Twelve rats were grouped into two groups comprising of six rats each, which received a dosage of 10mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 1000mg/kg in the first phase. The second phase consisted of three groups of two rats each being administered a dosage of 1600mg/kg, 2900mg/kg and 5000mg/kg. Five rats were given 1000mg/kg, 2000mg/kg, 3000mg/kg, 4000mg/kg and 5000mg/kg of n-hexane extract of Leptadenia hastata to determine the effect of the extract on the pancreas and spleen at these concentrations. The rats were observed for general behavioral changes, adverse effects and mortality up to 7 days post-treatment. Body weight, food intake and water intake were monitored throughout the experimental period and the pancreas and spleen were removed and evaluated at the end of the experiment. Results: In the acute toxicity study, there was no any mortality or significant behavioural changes observed after administering the highest dose (5000mg/kg). Histological analysis showed normal histological appearance in the pancreatic and splenic tissue at a dosage below 2000mg/kg but tissue heamolysis at a concentration greater than 3000mg/kg. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the extract may not have any single dose toxicity. The LD50 value is greater than 5000 mg/kg. However, at tissue level, there was observable heamolysis at a concentration above 3000mg/kg.