Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Studies of Sclerocarya birrea Peels Extract in Rats

Sclerocarya birrea fruits are widely eaten in developing countries especially in rural areas where they serve as nutritional supplements. However, they may also contain phyto-toxins which may affect the normal functioning of the body. Acute toxicity study was performed by a single oral administration of a dose of 3000 mg/kg body weight. Sub chronic toxicity evaluation was conducted by oral feeding of the rats with the peels extract daily at doses of 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. The results of acute toxicity show no mortality and general behaviour changes. The lethal dosage (LD50) was greater than 3000 mg/kg body weight. Rats fed with 1000, 2000 and 3000mg/kg body weight of the extract have higher body weights throughout the period of treatment but not significantly (p>0.05) different from the control group. Rats fed with 4000mg/kg body weight have significantly (p<0.05) lower body weight throughout the period of treatment. Significantly (p<0.05) higher serum total proteins, albumin, bilirubin, transaminases, creatinine, urea, uric acid and electrolytes were recorded in rats fed with 3000 to 4000 mg/kg body weight of the extract, suggesting liver and kidney toxicities. Therefore, the peels extract of S. birrea may be relatively toxic at doses of 3000 and 4000 mg/kg body weight. Further studies are required for isolation and characterization of the toxic compounds.