Articles

Acute and Sub acute Toxicity Studies of Euphorbia hirta on Mice and Wistar rats

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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.

Efficacy of Botanical Oils on Adult Mortality, Egg Laying, Hatchability and Adult Emergence of Callosobruchus. Maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchidae)

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The cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius, is the major insect pest that threatens effective legume storage. The laboratory experiment was conducted to assess the efficacy of four different botanical oils (Clove, Eucalyptus, Jojoba and Lemon) against the cowpea weevil, C. maculatus by using residual film technique. All the botanical oils were applied at two different concentration levels (0/50 and 0.75%). The results showed that all used oils significantly increased the mortality and reduced the mean number of eggs laying, hatchability and emergence percentages compared to the untreated control. The treatment of cowpea seeds with oils reduced slightly the germination but swelling percentage was higher in treated seeds than control. The results also indicated variation in the activity of botanical oils regarding the stage of the insect, the plant origin of the oils and concentration level. The present study suggested that botanical oils (Clove, Eucalyptus, Jojoba and Lemon) may be preferred option than conventional pesticides far the protecting stored pulse grains against stored products insect pests’ infestation, especially C. maculatus.

The Differences in Toxicity of Pletekan Leaf Extracts (Ruellia tuberosa L.) and Lime (Citrus auraiflia) on Mortality of Culex sp. Mosquito Larvae

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Mosquitoes Culex sp. is the main vector of filariasis. Population control using chemical larvicides continuously can cause resistance. The leaves of the pletekan plant (Ruellia tuberosa L.) and lime fruit (Citrus aurantifolia) have the potential as natural larvicides. This study aims to determine the differences in high toxicity (LC50) of pletekan leaf extract and lime fruit on the mortality of Culex sp. mosquito larvae with an exposure time of 24 hours. Pletekan leaf extract and lime fruit were extracted by maceration using 97% ethanol. The LC50 can use probit analysis with SPSS applications. The results showed that pletekan leaves were toxic to Culex sp. mosquito larvae with an LC50 value of 710.169 ppm with the lowest concentration of 615.231 ppm and the highest concentration of 796.157 ppm. The LC50 value of lime fruit extract was 1026.749 ppm, with a lower limit of 846.406 ppm and an upper limit of 1294.531 ppm.