Evaluation of the adverse effects of Dracaena steudneri Engl. stem bark aqueous extract in Wistar rats

Safety of medicinal plants/products is one the major areas that require more attention because high rate at which consumers use due to their availability and accessibility. Dracaena steudneri Engl. among plants being used recommended for treatment several diseases decades traditional health practitioners. Despite its frequent use, there little literature on safety. This study investigated acute sub-acute effects D. stem bark with a view establishing safe dose drug development. The Engl (Dracaenaceae) was collected, authenticated, dried, pulverized mechanically extracted using decoction method. extract thereafter concentrated in vacuo 50°C rotary evaporator lyophilised. test studied Wistar rats Lorke’s method 10 5000 mg/kg determine lethal (LD50) other adverse including weight loss, body scratching etc. In test, 24 both sexes were separately caged orally administered 25 100 mg/kg. administration repeated 28 days before animals humanely sacrificed. Blood each animal collected hematological biochemical examination, while essential organs harvested histopathologic. results showed LD50 greater than did not exhibit any significant difference (p>0.05) parameters when compared negative control. There no degenerative effect histology pathology all examined but elevation serum ALT creatinine levels observed. Although aqueous stuedneri show histopathological tested, potential renal hepatic toxicity after administration. Therefore caution must be taken close monitoring during prolonged Key words: Acute, safety, steudneri, sub-acute, toxicity.