ACUTE TOXICITY STUDIES OF AQUEOUS SEED EXTRACT OF VIGNA UNGUICULATA IN ALBINO RATS
Abstract
Objective: Increased usage of traditional folklore medicines by the public has led to scientific evaluation of safety of the herbs thereby providing the physicians the data required to employ them in the management of ailments. Seeds of Vigna unguiculata are commonly consumed as vegetables and as a culinary dish in most parts of Asian sub-continent. The present study was carried out to screen phytochemical constituents, evaluate acute toxic effects and determine LD50 of aqueous seed extract of Vigna unguiculata.
Methods: Phytochemical screening was carried out as described by Kokate. Acute oral toxicity study was carried out based on OECD guideline 423 and a limit test at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight was carried out in female wistar rats. The extract was orally administered in animals at a single dose of 2000mg/kg body weight. Signs of toxicity and mortality were noted after 1, 4 and 24h of administration of the extract for 14 days.
Results: Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids and proteins. No mortality and no significant changes were observed in physical observations, behavioral observations, autonomic effects, sensory responses, reflexes, respiratory effects and somatomotor activity in animals which reveal the safety of the extract at dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight.
Conclusion: Conclusively, the results suggest that the aqueous extract is not acutely toxic to the rats and LD50 was found to be higher than 2000 mg/kg.
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