Toxicological Studies of Aqueous Extract of Psychotria microphylla on Serum Total Protein, Albumin, Bilirubin, Creatinine and Urea of Albino Rats

Abstract

Psychotria microphylla Elmer is one of the plants found in the Eastern part of Nigeria used for fishing and prevention of insects from destroying crops and vegetables. It grows well under moist forest, along river and stream bounds. Based on its natural habitat, it is locally known as Akwukwo iyi or Oye (stream plant) in Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State Nigeria. This present study was carried out to evaluate the toxicological effects of aqueous extract of Psychotria microphylla on some biochemical parameters in albino rats. A total of 25 albino rats weighing between 110-180g were used for this sub-acute toxicity study. The rats were randomly divided into five groups labeled as group A, B, C, D and E with each group containing 5 rats each. Group A, which is the control, was given distilled water only while B to E received 300mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 2000mg/kg respectively of sub-acute doses of aqueous extract of P. Micropyilla for 14days. The animals were sacrificed after being anaesthetized with ketamine and blood sample collected via ocular puncture into sample bottles. It was further centrifuge, and the serum was collected for further biochemical analysis. The total protein, albumin, 
bilirubin, creatinin, and urea were estimated. The result of the effect of P. 
microphylla on total protein, albumin, and biluribin are presented, the differences observed in serum albumin level was not significant (P>0.05) when compared with normal control. However, significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in total protein and bilirubin level when compared with the normal control. On the other hand, the result of the effect of P.microphilla on Creatinine, and Urea shows no significant increase (p>0.05) in the test group when compared to the control. This result therefore indicates that the plant may therefore be considered safe at lower doses. However, high concentration of it should be avoided as it may interfere with normal liver function.