Identification of Phytocomponents and Acute Toxicity Evaluation of Corchorus olitorius Leaf Extract

In this study, the identification of secondary metabolites was carried out alongside acute toxicity evaluation on Corchorus olitorius leaf extract (COLE). Results of phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids (4.00±0.035 mg/100 g), steroids (0.89±0.031 mg/100 g), terpenes (1.27±0.016 mg/100 g), phenolic compounds (2.05±0.514 mg/100 g), alkaloids (3.10±0.026 mg/100 g), saponins (4.00±0.054 mg/100 g), tannins (0.32±0.044 mg/100 g) and cardiac glycoside (1.61±0.068 mg/100 g) while GCMS analysis of the extract showed the presence of 46 compounds with 2-Dodecenal having the highest concentration. 3-Methyl-1-penten-4-yn-3-ol, 2,4-Decadienal and Ethanone were also found in higher amounts. No toxicity behaviour and mortality were observed during the acute toxicity study period, even at a dose of 5000 mg/kg body. From results obtained, we conclude that Corchorus olitorius leaf extract may be a potential source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and cardiovascular system modulatory agent and may be safe for use as food and medicine.

Toxicological Evaluation of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Chromolaena Odorata in Male Wistar Albino Rats.

To evaluate the toxicological implications of the administration of aqueous leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata. The aqueous leaf extract was administered three times per week, for 90 days at doses of 161.5mg/kg, 32 3mg/kg, 538,5mg/kg and 1077mg/kg body weight, respectively. The control animals received 0.5ml of deionised water alone. The animals were sacrificed at the end of 90days. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, and the heart, testes and kidney harvested for histological analysis. Histopathological examination of the heart, lungs, testis and the kidneys did not show any observable morphological alterations. The biochemical parameters; amylase, albumin and total serum protein, and Na+ were found to be decreased at doses of 538.5mg/kg and 1077mg/kg, while the serum levels of creatine kinase, AST, K+, glucose, uric acid, urea and creatinine were increased at the same dose levels. The absence of exhibition of observable toxicity below 538.5mg/kg body weight suggests that the extract may be safe and non-toxic only at very low doses.