Acute Toxicity Assessment of Jatropha tanjorensis Chloroform and Aqueous Extract in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Over the past couple of decades, public health has grappled with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This can be attributed to various factors, including antibiotic abuse and the emergence of resistant bacterial species. Hence, plants and other natural products have been sought for medicinal benefits. Methods: Our study assesses the acute toxicity of aqueous and chloroform extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis. Treatment groups of three rats per group (n=21) were given 1200 mg/kg, 2900 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg of the two extracts, and Histopathological and Haematological results were reported after 24 hours. Phytochemical analysis of Jatropha tanjorensis extracts was also performed prior to the rat experimental analysis. Results: Phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, and alkaloids. Acute toxicity assessment revealed no toxicity of the extracts, and no rats died after 24 hours. Histopathological analysis revealed no significant differences in kidney, small intestine, liver, or heart lesions between the treatment groups. Haematological analysis showed that the extracts did not clinically significantly affect red blood cell or white blood cell counts. Conclusion: The absence of acute toxicity for Jatropha tanjorensis chloroform aqueous at doses exceeding typical dietary exposure is reassuring, though concentrated extracts require cautious use.