Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicological Evaluation of Ethanolic Leaves Extract of Prosopis juliflora (Fabaceae).

Abstract

Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. (Fabaceae), an exotic tree introduced in Kenya, is one of the World’s top 100 least wanted species due to its invasive nature and tendency to form impenetrable thickets. Goats that constantly feed on the plant’s sugary pods are known to lose their teeth. Pastoralists have previously taken the Kenya government to court due to possible death arising from starving animals which hardly feed. However, P. juliflora is known to contain tannins, alkaloids, saponins and other phytochemicals that can be exploited in the development of anti-helmintic herbal drugs. Alkaloids and saponins have been associated with numerous other pharmacological activities such as anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral. This study investigated the toxicity and safety levels of P. juliflora with a prospect of exploiting its bioactive compounds in the development of herbal remedies. Acute toxicity of P. juliflora ethanolic leaves extract was evaluated using Swiss albino rats. Oral dosages used were 175 mg/kg, 550 mg/kg, 1750 mg/kg, 2000 mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg body weight respectively. All clinical signs and symptoms were recorded within 24 hours. Toxicity symptoms were moderately observed and post mortem did not show any major gross effects on the internal organs.

Key words: Prosopis juliflora, acute toxicity, clinical signs, doses, symptoms.