Abstract

Plant derived bioactive molecules are always in demand and are the main focus of research. Despite the growing market demand for herbal medicines, safety of medicinal plants is still a concern. The present work aimed at generating preliminary phytochemical and biosafety information of crude methanolic and chloroform extracts of Cissus quadrangularis L. (aerial parts) and Solunumincanum L. (fruit). Both plants are extensively used by traditional healers among the agro-pastoralist communities of Fafan Zone in Eastern Ethiopia. The investigation employed standard phytochemical screening procedures and acute (2000mg/kg single dose) and sub-acute (200 and 400mg/kg repeated doses) oral toxicity studies in Swiss albino mice. Changes in body weight, packed cell volume (PCV), Hb level and mortality were recorded to evaluate the toxicity profile of the crude extracts. The phytochemical study revealed the presence of several secondary metabolites in both plants. The acute toxicity study did not show extracts related mortality and body weight reduction at 2000 mg/kg of methanol and chloroform extracts of both plants. However, the sub-acute toxicity  study exhibited  that crude extract of fruit of S. incanum(400 mg/kg) showed relatively higher toxic effects of causing a more pronounced (p<0.05) mortality, body weight loss, and reduction in PCV and Hb levels, compared to negative control. Extracts of C. quadrangularis revealed low mortality and a marginal increase of the hematological parameters. A detailed experimental analysis of these herbs extensively used by the agro-pastoralists of the area is essential to establish their therapeutic value and safety in use.

Key words: Cissus quadrangularis, Solunum incanum, phytochemical, toxicity.