Subacute Oral Toxicity Assessment of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach and Thonn) Müll Arg (Euphorbiaceae) Extract in Rats

Purpose: To assess Alchornea cordifolia, a medicinal plant with numerous biological actions and uses in traditional medicine, for possible toxicity in rats. Methods: The probable effect of the ethanol extract of Alchornea cordifolia (250 - 2000 mg/kg, p.o.) by gavage was evaluated on blood cellular elements and chemistry, as well as on the weight and histology of vital organs of male adult Spraque-Dawley rats. Results: Daily administration of the extract for two weeks did not cause significant changes in most haematological indices and blood chemistry. However, a dose-dependent increase (p 0.01) in neutrophils was observed. Relative organ weights were comparable in control and treated groups. Histopathological assessment of liver sections of treated-rats showed normal architecture at doses 1000 mg/kg. However, in animals treated with 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, cloudy swelling of hepatocytes with vacuolar and hydropic degeneration were evident. Kidney architecture at all dose levels was normal. Conclusion: The results of the study show that administration of the ethanol extract of Alchornea cordifolia to male adult rats by gavage evoked histopathologic changes in the liver at doses 1000 mg/kg. These findings call for caution in the use of Alchornea cordifolia especially in high doses.