Sub-chronic toxicity evaluation of Ethanol whole Plant Extract of Nelsonia gracilis in Rats

Purpose: The aim of this research work is to assess the phytochemicals and to conduct the toxicological profile of ethanol whole plant extract of Nelsonia gracilis in Wistar rats. Methods: The whole plant of Nelsonia gracilis was extracted with 70%v/v ethanol and was evaporated to dryness at 40oC. The ethanol extract was screened for plants’ chemicals by the methods described by Sofowora and Edeoga. The lethal dose was determined by OECD 425 Guidelines. Toxicity assessment involved the sub-chronic (28 days) studies with twenty Wistar rats. Group I, was given Distilled water (D/W 1 mL/kg), Groups II, III and IV were given graded doses (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) of Nelsonia gracilis respectively. On day 29, the rats were sacrificed using diethylether and blood was collected for biochemical, renal and hematological assessments. Results: The following (Flavonoids, Glycosides, Alkaloids, Terpenoids, Steroids, Saponins, and Tannins) plants’ chemicals were found to be present. The lethal dose of 5000 mg/kg did not show any signs of toxicity or mortality. The sub-chronic study demonstrated no significant changes in biochemical, renal or hematological parameters across all groups. However, the levels of sodium ion (in renal function) significantly decreased at 500 mg/kg (31.24±9.26) compared to the control. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that the ethanol whole plant of Nelsonia gracilis is safe. However, it should be used with caution for long period of time.