Toxicological Assessment of Supplemental Zanthoxylum acanthopodium essential oil in Rabbits: Evidence from Haemato-biochemical and Histopathological Indices

This study investigated the toxicological assessment of supplemental Zanthoxylum acanthopodium essential oil in rabbits: evidence from haemato-biochemical and histopathological Indices. Thirty two clinically healthy weaner male rabbits of about 7 to 8 weeks with an average initial weight live weight of 710 ± 0.68 kg were stratified by body weight and randomly allocated to one of four experimental groups (n = 8). The experimental diet consisted of a basal (control) group (0 mL/kg) and three levels of Zanthoxylum acanthopodium essential oil inclusion: 0.5 mL, 1.0 mL and 1.5 mLper kg DM feed daily. Feed and water was made available at all times and a completely randomized design was adopted throughout the 14 weeks experimental period during which rabbits were maintained under standard management conditions. The results suggested that Zanthoxylum acanthopodium essential oil influenced (p0.05); however, a significant effect was observed on cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium levels. Liver histology was not affected by Zanthoxylum acanthopodium essential oil across all treatments showing no signs of toxicity or degeneration. Furthermore, all blood values remained within the recommended physiological ranges for healthy rabbits. The study concludes that Zanthoxylum acanthopodium essential oil can be safely incorporated into rabbit diets up to 1.5 mL as it supports normal physiological function and maintains liver integrity.