Abstract:
Summary: The acute and subchronic toxicities of the ethanol leaf extract of Spathodea campanulata, a popular Nigerian traditional anti-convulsant remedy was investigated. For the acute toxicity study, 1000-5000 mg/kg of the ethanol leaf extract were administered to rats and obvious toxic symptoms and mortality 24 hours postadminstration of the extract were determined. The median lethal dose (LD50) of the extract was determined. In the subchronic study, 750-3000 mg/kg of the extract were administered daily for 90 days. The food and water consumption, body weight changes, as well as heamatological and biochemical parameters were determined periodically. The phytotochemical constituents of the extract were also investigated. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, anthraquinone glycosides, and flavonoids.. The estimated LD50 of the extract was 4466.84 mg/kg. There was no mortality during the period of study but the animals showed signs of anorexia, weakness, sluggishness and significant (p<0.05) reduction in food and water intake and body weight. The effects on haemoglobin concentration, PCV, RBC and WBC counts were non significant (P>0.05). The extract caused significant (p<0.05) increases in serum liver enzymes, AST, ALP and ALT. These changes showed recovery after 28 days post-treatment. These results suggest that the leaf extract of S. campanulata is safe in the treatment of epilepsy. Industrial relevance: Epilepsy is a chronic disorder that requires life-long management. The available antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are not only limited by adverse effects, but are not readily accessible in resource poor communities where this disease appears more prevalent. The use of medicinal plants especially Spathodea campanulata in the treatment of epilepsy is very popular in Nigeria. Compared to AEDs, it is very cheap, readily available and relatively free from adverse effects. The results of the present study will enable the industry to produce from natural product an effective AED with little or no side effect and the same time more affordable.
