Further studies on evaluation of the toxicity potential of Terminalia catappa Lin. Combretaceae leaf extract: effects on the histology, liver enzymes, and haematology profile of albino rats

[摘要] There is a global utilization of Terminalia catappa as a medicinal plant. In this study, the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Terminalia catappa (ALETA) on the haematological profile, liver function enzymes, and histology of some organs in albino rats was examined. Seventy-two healthy albino rats were randomly distributed into four groups (A-D) in 6 rats per triplicate. The normal control received 1ml/kg of deionized water while groups B-D received 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg ALETA, respectively for 21 days. Minor cytoplasm vacuolation, focal necrosis, and dilated sinusoids were observed in the liver tissue. The kidney showed minor degenerative changes characterized by few shrunk glomeruli while no tissue damage was observed in the heart tissue and minor passive congestion was observed in the pyloric stomach. The packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (HB), neutrophils (N), eosinophils (E), monocytes (M), lymphocytes (L), and means cell haemoglobin (MCH) responded significantly (p<0.05) to treatment dosage. Meanwhile, the increased aspartate aminotransfarase (AST), alanine aminotransfarase (ALT), acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were an indication of compromised liver function by the ALETA. There is a need for safety assessment, regulation, and intake of Terminalia catappa as a medicinal herb.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）

[关键词] Terminalia catappa;histopathology;haematology;liver enzymes;Rattus norvegicus