TOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF METHANOLIC STEM BARK EXTRACT OF Securidaca longipedunculata IN ALBINO RATS
NASIRU ABUBAKAR SALISU1, MUHAMMED DAUDA MUKHTAR2, USMAN ALIYU DUTSINMA2
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Science, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bayero University, Kano.
Afr. J Pharm Res Dev; Volume 18(1): 408-416 ; 2026
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the acute and sub-chronic toxicological effects of the methanolic stem bark extract of Securidaca longipedunculata in albino rats in order to evaluate its safety profile. In the sub-chronic study, rats were administered oral doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg body weight of the extract daily for 21 days, while the control group received distilled water. Hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters were assessed using standard laboratory procedures. No mortality or obvious signs of toxicity were observed across all treatment groups. Hematological findings showed increases in white blood cell count, lymphocyte percentage, and platelet count, which may suggest a stimulatory effect on the immune system. Serum biochemical analysis revealed that electrolyte levels and renal function indices (urea and creatinine) remained within normal physiological limits. Although alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) showed slight increases with increasing dose, the values were still within acceptable reference ranges. A reduction in blood glucose levels was observed in treated groups, indicating a possible hypoglycemic effect of the extract. Histopathological examination showed mild hepatic alterations at higher doses, while kidney and cardiac tissues maintained normal architecture. Overall, the findings from this study suggest that the extract exhibits low toxicity at the tested doses. However, prolonged exposure at higher concentrations may result in mild hepatic stress. Further studies are recommended to isolate the bioactive constituents and clarify their mechanisms of action.
Keywords: Securidaca longipedunculata, toxicity, hematology, biochemical parameters, histopathology, albino rats
Email of correspondence: nabubakar.mdl@buk.edu.ng;
https://doi.org/10.59493/ajopred/2026.1.2 ISSN: 0794-800X (print); 1596-2431 (online)