Abstract

Aim: This study aim to evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicity profile of aqueous leaf extract of Launaea taraxacifolia (LT) in Wistar rats.

Methods: Acute toxicity was investigated using Lorke’s method, while sub-acute toxicity was assessed using OECD guideline. The first phase of the acute toxicity study had nine Wistar rats randomly divided into three groups (n=3) and administered doses of 10mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 1000mg/kg (po) leaf extract of LT, respectively. In the second phase, four groups animals (n=1) received doses of 1200mg/kg, 1600mg/kg, 2900mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg (po) of the extract, respectively. For the sub-acute toxicity study, twenty rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=5). Group 1 received 10ml/kg distilled water, while Groups 2-4 received 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg (po) of the extract, respectively for 28 days.

Results: Acute toxicity result showed no mortality in both phases of study. In the sub-acute studies, significant increases in platelets in all treatment groups and RBC at the highest dose (1000 mg/kg) of the extract were observed (p

Key words: Ethnopharmacological; Hepatotoxic; Herbal vegetable; Launaea taraxacifolia; Nephrotoxic; Sub-acute toxicity study