This study investigated the toxicological effects of ethanolic extract from alstonia boonei stem bark, based on the dosage and duration of administration to albino mice. We evaluated for the phytochemistry of the stem bark and the clinical biochemical parameters of blood plasma of albino mice. After administering the aqueous extract to the albino mice, the biochemical parameters in their blood plasma were determined using commercially available kits. The determination of the phytochemical constituent of the ethanolic extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides. After the first week of administration, no significant variation in most of the biomarkers was recorded. However, after second week of treatment, urea and alanine aminotransferase levels fell significantly. Consequently, the ratio of aspartate transaminase to alanine transaminase was found to be much greater than 2, which was attributed to alcoholic toxicity from the ethanolic extract consumption.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. METHODS
2.1 Collection and preparation of plant extract and phytochemical screening
2.2 Animal preparation, grouping and extract administration for toxicological study
2.3 Biochemical evaluation of blood samples
2.4 Statistical analysis
3. RESULTS
3.1 Phytochemical screening
3.2 Toxicological examination for urea and creatinine levels in the blood
3.3 Toxicological examination for other blood and tissue enzyme activity
4. DISCUSSION
5. CONCLUSION
6. REFERENCES
Objectives and Research Themes
This study aims to evaluate the toxicological effects of ethanolic extracts derived from the stem bark of Alstonia boonei in albino mice, focusing on the impact of dosage and prolonged administration duration on biochemical parameters and organ function.
- Phytochemical screening of Alstonia boonei stem bark.
- Toxicological impact of ethanolic extracts on liver and kidney biomarkers.
- Assessment of biochemical changes over varying durations (1, 2, and 3 weeks).
- Comparative analysis of alcoholic toxicity resulting from the ethanolic extraction method.
Excerpt from the Book
Toxicological examination for urea and creatinine levels in the blood
Observations made during biochemical assay studies have proven that the intake of the EE of alstonia boonei bark at low (500 mg/kg body weight) and high doses (1000 mg/kg body weight) may have deleterious effect on one’s overall health, especially when this concoction is consumed over a prolonged period of time. This finding is strengthened by results obtained from the quantitative analysis of circulating tissue enzymes in blood of the specimens.
Interestingly, table 1 shows that there were no significant changes in the blood urea level of the specimens when the EE was consumed for 7 days (21-23). In fact, the recorded changes in this parameter do not constitute a threat to one’s life as they are within standard reference values for a healthy mouse as reported by Bray and Preston (22). Therefore, this extract does not alter urea levels when taken for a week, whether in low or high dose. On the other hand, the blood urea levels were observed to be significantly depleted when both low (500 mg/kg body weight) and high doses (1000 mg/kg body weight) were administered for two weeks as shown in table 2 (24, 25). However, following discontinuation of the extract administration for another week, the blood urea levels reverted to normal range (table 3).
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Provides background on malaria as a disease and the traditional use of Alstonia boonei, justifying the need to study its toxicological side effects.
METHODS: Outlines the extraction process of the plant material and the experimental design involving animal grouping, administration of doses, and biochemical assay protocols.
RESULTS: Presents findings from phytochemical screening and the quantitative analysis of urea, creatinine, and enzyme activities in the blood samples of the test groups.
DISCUSSION: Interprets the biochemical data, linking observed organ dysfunctions to prolonged administration and the potential toxicity introduced by the ethanol in the extract.
CONCLUSION: Summarizes the findings, concluding that while the plant has therapeutic potential, prolonged consumption of the ethanolic extract is unsafe.
Keywords
Anti-malarial, Alstonia boonei, ethanolic extract, toxicology, albino mice, biochemical assay, hepatic cell injury, renal function, phytochemicals, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, creatinine, urea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The study investigates the toxicological profile of the ethanolic extract of Alstonia boonei stem bark on vital organs, specifically assessing how dosage and prolonged administration affect biochemical markers in albino mice.
What are the central thematic areas?
The core themes include medicinal plant toxicology, biochemical markers of organ function, the safety profile of traditional herbal remedies, and the comparative risks of ethanol-based extractions.
What is the main goal or research question?
The goal is to determine whether the prolonged use of the ethanolic extract of Alstonia boonei is safe for medicinal purposes, particularly given its common use as an anti-malarial agent.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The study used phytochemical screening, animal grouping with controlled dosages, biochemical blood assays (using colorimetric methods and diagnostic kits), and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for statistical verification.
What is addressed in the main body of the work?
The main body details the methodology for extracting plant materials, the experimental setup for dosing the mice, the presentation of biochemical data, and a discussion of the observed hepatic and renal impacts.
Which keywords characterize this work?
The most important keywords include Alstonia boonei, toxicology, ethanolic extract, biochemical assay, malaria, liver injury, renal function, and albino mice.
How does the presence of ethanol affect the toxicity of the plant extract?
The study suggests that the addition of ethanol increases the toxicity profile of the extract, making it potentially hazardous for the liver over prolonged periods compared to aqueous preparations.
What does an AST to ALT ratio greater than 2 indicate in this study?
A ratio greater than 2, as observed after two weeks of administration, suggests acute alcoholic hepatitis or possible alcohol toxicity resulting from the consumption of the ethanolic extract.
Did the mice recover after the administration of the extract was discontinued?
Yes, in the case of urea levels, the study observed that blood urea levels reverted to their normal range one week after the discontinuation of the extract administration.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Seun Akingbotolu (Autor:in), 2020, Evaluation of the Toxicological Effects of the Ethanolic Extract of Alstonia Boonei Stem Bark, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/963284
