Acute Toxicity, Antidiarrhoeal and Antioxidant Activities of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Baphia macrocalyx in Mice

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to assess the acute toxicity, antidiarrhoeal and antioxidant potentials of methanolic leaf extract of Baphia macrocalyx (BM) in mice. Acute toxicity test of BM extract was performed based on OECD guideline 423. Results revealed that the extract did not produce any changes in general behaviour, body weight or mortality of the tested mice even at the highest oral administered dose (2000 mg/kg body weight). The antidiarrhoeal effect was examined using castor oil induced diarrhoea test. Results showed that BM extract delayed the onset of diarrhoea, decreased frequency of defaecation and reduced the severity of diarrhoeal drops in a dose dependent manner at doses of (100, 500 and 1000 mg/kg), respectively. The group that received the dose of 1000 mg/kg showed a significant difference (p < 0.001) in inhibition of diarrhoeal drops compared to the control group. For the determination of antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation assay was used and BM extract significantly (p < 0.05) counteracted rotenone induced oxidative stress in brain tissues in a graded dose. Taken together, this study showed the potential of BM in inhibition of diarrhoea and oxidative stress with no toxic effects on tested mice, suggesting the use of this plant as an antioxidant and for ethno-medical management of diarrhoea.

Keywords: Baphia macrocalyx; Antidiarrhoeal; Antioxidant; Acute toxicity