Acute oral toxicity activity of aqueous extract of Combretum glutinosum Perr. Ex. DC, leaves in wistar rats

Combretum glutinosum Perr. Ex. DC, is tropical and subtropical medicinal plant widely used in traditional African to treat a range diseases such as parasitic diseases. The anthelmintic activity has been demonstrated in previous studies. Toxicity acute evaluation of Combretum glutinosum aqueous extract leaves was performed in this study, according to OECD 401 Guidelines for testing of chemicals. A single dose of 2000 mg/kg bw were given in one single administration by gavage female rats. No animal died and no behavioral signs of acute toxicity were observed. No statistically significant differences (p>0,05), compared to control animals in the weight of animal, some organs and the values of some hematological and biochemical parameters were observed. It was concluded that the aqueous extract of C. glutinosum is safe for oral use at single dose of 2000 mg/kg bw. On condition of chronic evaluation of the toxicity of the aqueous extract of C. glutinosum leaves, could therefore be continuously used by small breeders to control small ruminant helminthes.