Abstract

Toxicity of methanolic and water extracts of the plant Guiera sengalensis has been tested on rats. The methanolic extract was injected intramuscularly while the water extract was given orally. Rats receiving 1000 and 500 mg/kg/day of the methanolic extract died within one week. The 250 mg/kg/day dose resulted in enlargement of the liver and kidneys, although body weights of the treated rats were not significantly different from the control. Alterations of haematological and serological parameters were evident. The effect of water extract was less marked compared to that of methanolic extract. Treatment with G. senegalensisresulted in endotheliotoxicity, hepatonephropathy and pancreatic hyperplasia.  

Key words: Guiera sengalensis, toxicology, pathology.