ABSTRACT
Over the years, Picralima nitida has been widely utilized in African traditional medicine. This study aimed to thoroughly investigate the toxicological effects of the aqueous extract of Picralima nitida stem bark on Sprague Dawley rats. The extraction process involved cold maceration of P. nitida stem bark in water for 48 hours. Acute toxicity was evaluated using the Lorke method, while subchronic toxicity was assessed in 30 Sprague Dawley rats divided into six groups. Group 1 served as the control, receiving distilled water and pellets orally, while the experimental groups were administered 150, 300, 800, 2000, and 5000 mg/body weight doses of the aqueous extract daily for 28 days. Following observation, no signs of kidney toxicity were detected in the Sprague Dawley rats. Statistical analysis of kidney status biomarkers such as creatinine, urea, and electrolytes revealed no significant differences between the control and treated groups. However, there were increases in serum urea levels in groups administered 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg, and an increment in creatinine concentration in the 800 mg/kg group. Regarding electrolyte levels, sodium decreased at a dosage of 2000 mg/kg, while potassium, chloride, and bicarbonates increased at specific doses (150mg/kg for potassium, 150 and 800mg/kg for chloride , and 5000mg/kg for bicarbonates) compared to the control. Histological examination confirmed no toxicity signs or damage to the kidneys. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of Picralima nitida stem bark showed no significant adverse effects on the kidneys of Sprague Dawley rats throughout the experiment, nor did it induce any visible histopathological abnormalities in the studied organs.
