Acute toxicity study on aqueous extract of the leaf of Cassia sieberiana D.C. (Caesalpiniaceae) in albino rats

In order to evaluate the toxicity of Cassia sieberiana leaf extract in albino rats with the aim of establishing its safe application in experimental and field trials, the acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of the leaves was studied in albino rats. Four experimental groups of albino rats (A, B, C, D) were respectively given intraperitoneal doses of 400, 800, 1600 and 3200 mg/kg body weight of the extract, while the fifth group (E) was control. The LD50 was calculated, clinical signs and gross and microscopic lesions of the liver and kidney were recorded. Immediate clinical signs observed were weakness, depression, starry hair coat, anorexia, while abnormal gait, lordosis, opthalmia, coma and death appeared after 2 hours. Hepatomegaly and focal necrosis were observed on gross examination, while sinusoidal congestion with periportal necrosis and Kupffer cell proliferation were the microscopic lesions observed. Gross enlargement of the kidneys, vascular degeneration, and interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration were observed. The calculated median lethal dose (LD50) was 960 mg/kg, and the severity of clinical signs and hepatic and kidney lesions was dose dependent. This study has shown that Cassia sieberiana leaf aqueous extract could be toxic in a dose-dependent way, and should be used with caution in veterinary practice.