Bulletins of Natural and Applied Sciences
Vol. 3(1):7-13
Safety Evaluation of the Stem Bark Aqueous Extract of African Kino Tree (Pterocarpus erinaceus)
Muhammad Adamu1*, Bello Aminu Bello2, Umar Aminu Mohammed3, Zinat Suleiman Mohammed1, Babangida Sanusi3, Marwanatu Yahaya Muhammad1 1Department of Biochemistry, Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi, Nigeria; 2Department of B
ABSTRACT
Medicinal plants play a vital role in the treatment of illnesses. Among these plants, Pterocarpus erinaceus (African kino tree) is used as blood tonic to treat haematological problems. However, there is dearth of information on the safety of the plant, which necessitates scientific studies. This study evaluated the toxicity of the stem bark aqueous extract of P. erinaceus on albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). Fifteen rats were divided into three groups, comprising 5 rats each. Group 1 was made the control and received normal feed and water. Groups 2 and 3 received 250mg/kg bw and 500mg/kg bw of the extracts, respectively. After 28 days of administration, the liver, kidney and haematological function parameters of the rats were evaluated.The results of the liver function analysis revealed a significant increase (P<0.05) inbilirubin (0.83±0.03) and alanine transaminase (23.33±5.18) at 250mg/kg bw and 500mg/kg bw respectively compared to control (0.77±0.09 and 17.33±0.88). Furthermore, 5000mg/kg bw and 250mg/kg bw of the extract showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in kidney function parameters including serum concentration of urea (5.83±2.13) and creatinine (36.33±5.51) compared to control (3.03±0.32 and 29.3±1.15). It also showed a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the concentration of potassium (3.87±0.55) compared to control (4.27±0.27). There was a significant increase (P<0.05) in haematological parameters (white blood cells, red blood cells, platelet, hemoglobin and hematocrit) in a concentration dependent manner compared to control. It can be inferred from these results that extract of the plant boosted haematological parameters and had no toxic effects on liver and kidney function parameters.
