Toxicity studies on Alchornea cordifolia leaf extract in mince

Abstract

Alchornea cordifolia (Schum. and Thonn.) Müll. Arg (Euphorbiaceae), a widely used traditional medicinal agent was assessed for possible toxicity in mice. We investigated the effect of the ethanolic extract of Alchornea on blood cells and chemistry, histology, and relative weight of selected organs in mice. Administration of Alchornea cordifolia (250-2000 mg/kg, p.o daily) for two weeks did not affect significantly the relative organ weights, blood cells or renal function. Histology of liver and kidney at dose levels up to 1000 mg/kg was normal and similar to vehicle- treated controls. However, liver sections of mice treated with 2000 mg/kg Alchornea extract showed perivascular aggregates of lymphocytes, eosinophilia and pyknosis, evidence of hepatic damage. These results suggest that Alchornea cordifolia is relatively non-toxic but has the propensity to induce hepatic injury at high doses.