TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE OF DIAPHANANTHE BIDENS LEAF EXTRACT AND FRACTIONS IN SWISS ALBINO RATS

Traditional medications are prone to be consumed without consideration of their possible toxicological profile. This study investigated the toxicological profile of aqueous ethanol extract of Diaphananthe bidens leaf and its fractions in Swiss albino rats. The LD₅₀ and subchronic toxicities were determined by analyzing biochemical, haematological, reproductive hormone, and histopathological parameters. The extract was fractionated using n-hexane, n-butanol, and ethyl acetate, and phytochemicals were measured. The OECD 425 guidelines guided the 90-day subchronic toxicity testing of the extract. Blood samples were collected on the 91st day for haematology, biochemical, and reproductive hormone analysis using standard kits. The extract possessed an LD₅₀ of 9450 mg/kg, and phytochemical analysis showed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins and terpenoids in varying degrees. Ethyl acetate was found to be the most bioactive at 328.2 mg/GAE/g, with a 40.32% yield. The effective dose of the extract, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous fractions was recorded at 301, 8069, 186, 433, and 759 mg/kg, respectively. The extract and ethyl acetate significantly (P<0.05) lowered levels of ALT, AST, and ALP in the blood compared to groups given a vehicle and significantly (P<0.05) elevated plasma PCV, Hb, WBC and RBC counts after administration of extract and ethyl acetate therapeutic doses (186, 372 and 744 mg/kg). The histopathological analysis revealed normal liver and kidney architectures. In conclusion, the leaf extract and fractions of Diaphananthe bidens appear relatively safe following a sub-chronic administration.