The aim of this research was to determine the median lethal dose of sesamum

indicum seeds in Wistar rats.

Methods: Twelve Wistar rats within the ages of five to six weeks and of weights, ranging from (98-160) g of both sexes were used for the experiment. They were categorized into two phases of I and II. Phase I consisted three (3) groups of three

(3) animals each. While phase II consisted three (3) groups of one (1) animal each. The phase I group was orogastrically intubated with (10, 100 and 1000) mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of sesamum indicum seeds respectively with the aid of a 2ml syringe with an intubation needle of size 24 mounted on it. The animals in phase II were similarly administered 1600, 2900 and 5000mg/kg body weights of the extract respectively and observed for one hour and ten minutes after every two hours for twenty four hours.

Result: No mortality or any physical signs of toxicity were observed in any of the groups.

Conclusion: The LD50 of ethanolic extract of sesamum indicum seeds is above 5000mg/kg body weight in adult Wistar rats.

 

Key Words: LD50, Sesamum seeds, Wistar rats.