Subacute in vivo toxicity of the methanolic extract of Ficus stuhlmannii Warb leaves

Abstract

Ficus stuhlmannii is used in Congolese traditional medicine as a medicinal plant for its anti-sickle cell, anti-haemorrhoidal, antioxidant, and anti-infectious properties. This study evaluated the subacute toxicity and median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of a methanolic leaf extract in Mus musculus, specifically monitoring its effects on the liver, kidneys, and haematological components. Mice were divided into four groups (n = 4): a control group (distilled water; negative control) and three treated groups receiving 50, 100, or 150 mg/kg body weight (bw) of the extract over 4 weeks. Results showed no mortality across any groups. While all mice exhibited weight gain, specific haematological changes were noted at the 150 mg/kg dose, including a decrease in neutrophils (from 75.50 ± 11.85 to 16.00 ± 11.69%) and an increase in lymphocytes (from 20.00 ± 7.11% to 80.00 ± 16.97%) in the control group and mice treated with 150 mg/kg bw, respectively. Biochemical analysis showed an increase in ALAT values (2.78 ± 1.76 UI/L for the control group and 26.73 ± 14.72 UI/L for mice receiving 150 mg/kg bw of the plant extract). Overall, the study indicates that F. stuhlmannii methanolic extract lacks significant toxicity at the tested doses, supporting its safety profile for traditional use. Key words: Ficus stuhlmannii Warb., subacute toxicity, Mus musculus, biochemical and hematological parameters.