ACETONE EXTRACT OF CRINUM JAGUS BULBS (LILLIACEAE): AN ACUTE AND SUB CHRONIC TOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION IN ALBINO RATS

Abstract

The bulbs of Crinum jagus bulbs are used in the treatment of various ailments in traditional medicine. This study was aimed at evaluating the toxicity of acetone extracts of Crinum jagus bulbs on albino rats following acute and sub-chronic exposure on haematological and biochemical parameters. The LD50 of this plant was estimated to be more than 5000 mg/kg. Phytochemical screening of the bulbs extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, reducing sugars and saponins. In the repeated dose 28 days oral toxicity study, administration of 250 and 500 mg/kg of body weight of extracts revealed increase in body weights. The extract produced a significant (P < 0.05) increase in urea level and bicarbonate ion .There was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the levels of alanine amino transferase (ALT), and aspartate amino transferase (AST)) in the group treated with 250 mg/kg of extract when compared with the control. No significant (P > 0.05) changes in alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, conjugated bilirubin, total protein and haematological parameters of the treated groups compared with control were observed. The plant extract is however, not safe for long term use.