Phytochemical Characterization and Acute Toxicity Investigation of the Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Dacryodes edulis (G. Don) H.J. Lam on Wistar Rat Models

Medicinal plants play an important role in the management of several diseases and have become widespread. However, people use plant species without considering the toxicity they may present. In a previous study, the hydroethanolic leaf extract of D edulis showed a very good anti-ulcer activity (86% protection rate). The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition and to investigate the acute toxicity of this extract on zootechnical, biochemical and histological parameters in Wistar rats.

Fresh leaves of Dacryodes edulis were collected in Yaoundé, Cameroon and a qualitative and quantitative phytochemical assessment was carried out using the methods described by Harbone. Then the acute toxicity was tested according to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guideline 423, by forming 2 experimental groups of 10 animals each (5 males and 5 females): Group I (Control), which received 2 mL of physiological saline solution (SSF 0.9%), Groups II, which received the hydro-ethanolic leaf extract of D. edulis in a single dose of 2000 mg/kg. The zoophysical behaviour of the animals was observed for 14 days and on the 14th day of exposure, biochemical (Protein, creatinine, ALT, and AST) and histopathological parameters of the liver and kidney were measured.

Several primary metabolites including total polyphenols, tannins, coumarins, flavonoids, betacyans were identified, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides and ascorbic acid. Furthermore, the extract did not cause any pathological changes as revealed by the biochemical markers of the organs whose functions were evaluated, and the histological analysis showed a normal organ architecture when compared to controls. The hydro-ethanolic extract was therefore relatively safe and without toxic effects according to the parameters tested at the dose of 2000 mg/kg.