Abstract :

This study aimed at evaluating the acute and subacute toxicity of the aqueous leaf extract of Euphorbia hirta in experimental animals. For acute toxicity assessment, mice were orally administered single doses of 2000 and 3000 mg/kg  body weight (bw), with the administration volume set at 1 mL/100 g bw. A limit test was conducted to estimate the median lethal dose (LD₅₀). In the subacute toxicity study, rats received daily oral doses of 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/kg bw for 28 consecutive days. A control group received distilled water. Biochemical parameters including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine phosphatase (ALP), Total protein, creatinine and Urea were analyzed in plasma samples. Hematological parameters such as red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelets were also evaluated. Histopathological examination of the liver and kidneys was performed to assess organ-specific toxicity. The results indicated that the LD₅₀ of the aqueous extract of Euphorbia hirta is greater than 3000 mg/kg, suggesting low acute toxicity. In the subacute study, histological examination of rat organs revealed no acute or chronic damage, although minor liver changes such as sinusoidal dialatation and mild portal inflammation were observed at high doses which is supported with elevated AST and ALT. In conclusion, the toxicological profile indicates that these extracts are safe at tested doses, although higher concentrations may warrant caution due to mild histological and biochemical changes.

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Keywords :

Euphorbia hirta, mice and wistar rats, Toxicity.

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