Biochemical Effects of Nauclea latifolia Ethanolic Root Extract in Rats

Background and Objective: The plant Nauclea latifolia (Smith) (Family: Rubiaceae) also known as ‘Pin Cushion tree’ or ‘African Peach’ is a struggling shrub, native to tropical Africa and Asia where the use of folk medicine is prevalent and the search for a herbal cure is but common practice. This report described the biochemical effects of Nauclea latifolia ethanolic root extract in rats. Materials and Methods: Extraction of the root of Nauclea latifolia with ethanol was carried out. A total of twenty Wister albino rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each. The various biochemical tests were then conducted on the experimental rats. Results: The acute toxicity study on ethanol extract in mice established an intraperitoneal LD₅₀ greater than 4000 mg kg^–1. The phytochemical analysis of the Nauclea latifolia ethanol extract indicated the presence of flavonoids, saponins and reducing sugars. The liver alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and the serum concentrations of conjugated and total bilirubin measured suggest mild damage to the liver hepatocytes of rats treated with ethanolic extract of Nauclea latifolia root when compared to the control. The result of urea and creatinine indicate that the kidney may be damaged when compared to the control group. The extract caused a slight but non-significant increase (p>0.05) in blood glucose concentration as administration of the extract continued on days 28 and 42. Conclusion: The present study established that the continuous administration of the ethanol crude extract ofNauclea latifolia is lethal to the hepatocytes and kidneys.