ABSTRACT
This study was aimed to evaluate and to compare the acute and subchronic toxicities of the hydroethanolic extracts of theroot (HECRB) and stem bark (HECSB) of Cassia sieberiana in rats. In acute toxicity study, animals were divided into 2groups (n = 3). Rats received the single dose of 5000 mg/kg of HECRB and HECSB extracts of C. sieberiana orally. Forthe subchronic toxicity, 4 groups (n = 6) were given daily 500 and 1000 mg/kg of extracts for 28 days. Animal behaviorswere observed after each treatment. Results showed that HECRB and HECSB were not toxic at 5000 mg/kg. The LD50was >5000mg/kg for both extracts. After repeated doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg, both extracts did not significantly affectthe relative organs weight of treated rats. HECSB did not affect biochemical and hematological parameters. However,HECRB significantly increased parameters such as red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, volume globulaire moyen,teneur corpusculaire moyenne en hemoglobine, and triglycerides. This study showed that HECRB and HECSB are nottoxic. It contributes to a better knowledge of the toxicity of C. sieberiana used for the treatment of several diseases in Togo.
ABSTRACT
@#There is a folkloric claim that Pausinystalia yohimbe,Cassia sieberiana and Cissus populnearoots can be used to enhance sexual behaviour in male rats. However, there is still dearth of scientific evidence that substantiated the acclaimed efficacy of separate and combined use of the plant as sex enhancer. Therefore, the aims of this study were to compare the separate and combined effects of aqueous extracts of Pausinystalia yohimbe, Cassia sieberiena and Cissus populnearoots in paroxetine-induced sexually impaired male rats.Thirty five male rats were assigned into seven groups (A-G) such that rats in group A received orally 1.0 ml of distilled water for 7 days, while those in groups B -G which were induced into sexual dysfunction (administration of 10 mg/kg of paroxetine) also received equal volume of distilled water, 7.14 mg/kg body weight of PowmaxM (a reference drug), 50 mg/kg body weight of P. yohimbe, 50 mg/kg body weight of C. sieberiana, 50 mg/kg body weight of C. populneaand 50 mg/kg body weight of 1:1:1 mixture of the three extracts, once daily for seven days respectively. The sexual behavior indices of the male rats and the levels of their reproductive hormones were evaluated by standard procedures. The paroxetine-treatment related reductions (P<0.05) in the sexual behaviour indices of Mount Frequency, Intromission Frequency and Ejaculatory Frequency, levels of serum reproductive hormones of testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone were progressively attenuated by the separate administration of the plant extracts. Furthermore, the increases in the Mount Latency, Intromission Latency, Ejaculatory Latency and Post-ejaculatory Interval were also gradually reduced, following the administration of the plant extracts. The male rat sexual behaviour indices and the levels of the male reproductive hormones following the administration of the 1:1:1 mixture of the extracts were not significantly different (P>0.05) from the effects of the separate extracts. All these changes compared favourably (P>0.05) well with those of the sexual dysfunction rats that received PowmaxM (Group G). The results obtained in the present study indicate that the extracts of these plants may have the potentialfor the management of sexual dysfunction in male rats. The combined use of the plants was not significantly better than the individual use of the plants thereby, each and any of the three plants readily available might be used for this purpose.