Phytochemical Screening and Acute Toxicity Study of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Telfairia occidentalis on Albino Rats

Aim: This study investigated the phytochemical contents and toxicological effects of the aqueous leaf extract of T. occidentalis on albino rats.

Study Design: Toxicological study.

Place and Duration of the study: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Federal University, Birnn Kebbi, Kebbi State Nigeia, Between July to October, 2024.

Methodology: Twenty (20) albino rats of both sexes were randomized into four (A, B, C and D) different groups of five (5) animals each. Group A was given distilled water, group B was administered with 200mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of T. occidentalis, Group C was administered 300mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of T. occidentalis and Group D was administered 400mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of T. occidentalis orally for 14 days. The animals were sacrificed and blood sample was collected for haematological and biochemical analyses.

Results: Qualitative phytochemical screening of the aqueous leaf extract of T. occidentalis revealed the presence of Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Phenols, Saponins, Tannins, Terpenoids and Carbohydrate. A significant (p < 0.05) increased in the weight of the experimental rats compared to the control group was observed in all the groups treated with aqueous leaf extract of T. occidentalis. Oral administration of different doses of T. occidentalis to the experimental rats significantly (p<0.05) increased the concentration of RBC, HCT, GRA, PLT, LYM, MCV, MCH, Hb and WBC in a dose dependent manner when compared with the control. Administration of different doses of T. occidentalis causes significant decreased (P<0.05) in AST, ALT, ALP, TB and DB levels while significant increased (p<0.05) of TP and albumin concentration were observed when compared with control. Similarly, administration of different doses of T. occidentalis significantly (p<0.05) decreased the concentration of Urea, Creatinine, Na+ and K+ while the concentration of Cl- was significantly (p<0.05) increased in a dose dependent manner when compared with the control.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings showed that the aqueous leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis is relatively non-toxic at acute exposure doses exceeding 5000 mg/kg and exhibits potential anti-anemic effects.