DETERMINATION OF THE ACUTE ORAL TOXICITY OF PANDANUS AMARYLLIFOLIUS CRUDE ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS ON ICR STRAIN MICE (MUS MUSCULUS)

ABSTRACT: Pandanus amaryllifolius leaves have long been used as a food additive. Previous studies on other Pandanus species have shown many ethno-pharmacological uses. However, toxicity to P. Amaryfolius is not known. In this study, the acute oral toxicity of the crude leaf extract was determined on ICR mice stain ( Mus musculus) by: 1) identifying its GHS classification ; 2) observing for basic pharmacological-toxicological effects; and 3) analyzing histopathological changes. The study used five mice from which the limit-dose (2000mg/kg body weight) was administered for 14 days. Other effects were observed such as changes in body weight, CNS depression, CNS stimulation, eye observation, ear observation and other general observations. A scoring system was used to assess the said parameters and the frequency distribution was determined. Acute oral toxicity has revealed that the test-substance is GHS Category 5, which is of relative low acute toxicity. There was also a notable change in weight of all the mice (50% increase). Notable effects that were observed include increase in Respiratory Depth (f = 69.41%) and Rate (f = 56.00%), exophthalmos (total f = 52.94%), blanching (76.47%) and excessive curiosity (65.88%). There was no significant manifestation of CNS depression and other general observations. These was observed after the administration of the test substance. Histopathologic analysis of the five organs: brain, liver, heart, kidneys and lungs showed generalized congestion with signs of cellular or cloudy swelling. The lungs in particular showed emphysematous change and inflammatory infiltrates. This might suggest the possible effect of the test substance on the hemodynamic stability

Department of Pharmacology