Toxicological assessment of the aqueous root extract of Sanseviera liberica Gerome and Labroy (Agavaceae)

The aqueous root extract of Sanseviera liberica (SL) is used in African folklore medicine for ailments including chronic pain, inflammatory conditions, and convulsive disorders. Because of the potential for long-term uses, the study investigated the acute and subchronic toxicity patterns of the plant. Acute toxicity tests were carried out in mice, and the median lethal dose was estimated. Subchronic (52 days) studies were conducted in rats with oral daily doses of 80, 400 and 2000 mg/kg. Parameters observed for at the end of chronic tests included changes in body and vital organ weights, mortality, haematological, biochemical, hepatic and male reproductive effects. SL did not produce any visible toxicities or mortality with oral doses up to 20 g/kg within 14 days of single treatment, but i.p. administration caused mortalities with LD50 of 668.3 ± 47.6 mg/kg. In the chronic tests, neither mortality nor visible signs of lethality was seen in rats. No significant change in the weight of the kidney, liver, heart and spleen, but at 400 mg/kg, a significant reduction in weight of the lungs was recorded. Significant increases in the weight of testes, sperm count and motility was produced. There were no changes in the sperm head and tail abnormalities, but significant increases in the percentage normal sperm cells. Biochemical parameters like the AST and ALT were not affected, but significant increase in ALP and uric acid levels, at 2 g/kg, was detected. Significant increase and decrease in RBC and WBC were recorded, respectively, but no changes in levels of PCV and Hb. Results indicate that oral doses of SL are relatively safe in rats; however, assessment of hepato-biliary function should be done during chronic use in humans.