Purpose:
To assess Alchornea cordifolia, a medicinal plant with
numerous biological actions and uses in traditional
medicine, for possible toxicity in rats.
Methods:
The probable effect of the
ethanol extract of Alchornea cordifolia (250 - 2000
mg/kg, p.o.) by gavage was evaluated on blood cellular
elements and chemistry, as well as on the weight and
histology of vital organs of male adult Spraque-Dawley
rats.
Results:
Daily administration of the extract for two weeks did
not cause significant changes in most haematological
indices and blood chemistry. However, a dose-dependent
increase (p < 0.01) in neutrophils was observed.
Relative organ weights were comparable in control and
treated groups. Histopathological assessment of liver
sections of treated-rats showed normal architecture at
doses < 1000 mg/kg. However, in animals treated with
1000 and 2000 mg/kg, cloudy swelling of hepatocytes with
vacuolar and hydropic degeneration were evident. Kidney
architecture at all dose levels was normal.
Conclusion:
The results of the study
show that administration of the ethanol extract of
Alchornea cordifolia to male adult rats by gavage evoked
histopathologic changes in the liver at doses > 1000
mg/kg. These findings call for caution in the use of
Alchornea cordifolia especially in high doses.
Keywords:
Alchornea cordifolia, Rats, Subacute oral toxicity,
Neutrophils, Hepatocytes, Hydropic denegeration
