Toxicological Studies of Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. (Annonaceae) on Wistar Rats

Introduction: The impact of aromatic plants used in cooking on health is indisputable. This study aims to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of Artemia salina, acute and the 28 days subchronic toxicity of X. aethiopica dried fruit used like spice in Togo by oral administration of the extract to female Wistar rats. Results: The A. salina assay showed that the hydroalcoholic extract of X. aethiopica presented any toxicity. The LC50 values of X. aethiopica on brine shrimp were 0.64 ± 0.13 mg/mL.  The acute toxicity study revealed neither behavioral disturbances nor death in rats. The lethal dose (DL50) of this extract is greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight. The results of subchronic toxicity showed no significant change in body and organs weight gain in rats at test doses throughout the treatment period. No changes in haematological parameters were observed apart from a significant increase in platelet number at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. Biochemical parameters such as Urea, Creatinine, Triglycerides, Total cholesterol, Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and glycemia were not significantly changed. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities increased at doses of 500/1000 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg respectively. Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) activity decrease at the dose of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. Blood electrolytes showed no significant change. The histological sections showed no organ damage. Conclusions: Aqueous extract of X. aethiopica did not lead to any adverse effects in rats after acute and subchronic treatment at 500 and 1000 mg/kg doses.  Keywords: Xylopia aethiopica, Cytotoxicity, Toxicity, Wistar rats