HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE HEART, PANCRAS, KIDNEY, LUNGS, SPLEEN AND LIVER OF EXPERIMENTAL EATS FED THE AQEOUS FRUIT PULP OF PICRALIMA NITIDA

ABSTRACT

In developed countries there is a huge interest in the utilization of medicinal plants. Research has shown that their intake could cause adverse effect and damage organs in the body. Long term intake of medicinal plants could be destructive. The histopathological studies on the effect of P. nitida unripe fruit pulp aqueous extractin experimental rats was examined. Experimental rats weighed 180g-200g were divided into five (A-F) groups of experimental rats each. they control group had water while groups B-F were 200, 300-3000mg/kg body weight daily for 35 days. The heart, liver, kidney, lungs and pancreas were dissected and histopathologically assessed for cellular damages. However, rats administered 3000mg/kg of the extract exhibited toxic effects, including myocarditis, hepatitis, tubular necrosis, pancreatitis, and bronchiolar mucosa ulceration. Histopathological examination revealed structural distortions and disorganization in the affected organs. High doses of this extract exerted substantial adverse effects on the organs of rats, leading to histological abnormalities. These findings underscore the importance of establishing appropriate dosage regimens and suggest that prolonged, escalating dosages of the extract may not be entirely safe.