In Vivo Safety of Aqueous Extracts of Maytemus putterlickoides, Senna spectabilis and Olinia usambarensis on Mice Models

Abstract

Plant products are used as the primary health care in developing countries due to their availability and affordability compared to conventional methods. It is estimated that more than 80% of the world’s population use herbal preparations in the management and treatment of diseases. Herbal products are now readily available in supermarkets and drug stores. The therapeutic value of these herbal products is believed to be due to the presence of bioactive elements present in the plant parts. Toxicity studies should, however be carried to ascertain the safety of the herbal preparation. In this study, safety studies were carried out through biochemical assays, histopathology and hematological tests. The plant extracts led to changes in body weight, hematological and histopathological changes like increase in lymphocyte number. High dose of orally administered Olinia usambarensis also caused microcytic hypochromic anemia. Senna spectabilis and Olinia usambarensis revealed intense infiltration of inflammatory cells causing necrosis and loss of cellular details of the kidney. This study will enhance understanding of the safety of ethno-medical materials in the management of diarrhea caused by bacterial pathogens