Chronic Toxicological Assessment of Aqueous Extract of a Combination of Nauclea latifolia Root and Acalypha torta Leaf on the Liver, Kidney and Heart of Wistar Rat

Background: Nauclea latifolia and Acalypha torta are medicinal plants found in Nigeria with scientifically validated anti-diabetic properties. Although these herbal preparations are derived from natural sources, some of them may still possess the potential to cause some adverse reactions on the vital organs of the body.

Aim: This study was therefore designed to assess the chronic toxicological effects of orally administered aqueous extract of a combination of N. latifolia root and A. torta leaf on the liver, kidney, and heart of Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: Hot aqueous extraction of the mixture of dried, pulverized samples was carried out for 24 hours at the laboratory temperature. After filtrations, the final filtrate was evaporated to dryness using Rotary Evaporator. Effects of the Nauclea latifolia Acalypha torta extract ( NLAT), on the liver, kidney, and heart were assessed following daily oral administration of the extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats at the dose of 100.0 mg/kg for six months. Changes in body weight and blood glucose levels were monitored. All the indices of liver, kidney, and heart functions were estimated with the aid of Randox Diagnostic Test Kits following the manufacturer’s methods and a total of eighty-four rats (120-150g) were used.

Results: Results showed that the extract, NLAT, had a positive impact on body weight which correlates with the concomitant reduction in the average blood sugar levels. There was no observable significant differences (P>0.05) in the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) when compared with the controls. Total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB), creatinine, and urea levels were within the normal ranges. Histopathological evaluations showed no perturbation of the normal architectures of the liver, kidney and heart.

Conclusion: The combination at the dose tested was well tolerated by the animals and there was no indication of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, or cardiotoxicity.