Abstract

AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE TOXICITY EFFECTS OF CALOTROPIS PROCERA (AITON) ASCLEPIADACEAE IN SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS

Abidemi E. Omonisi, Abiodun Adedigba, Rhaman A. Bolarinwa, James A. Akingbasote, Olajire A. Adegoke, Rahaman A. Bejide, David A. Onilede, Peter B. Olaitan (Prof), Adebimpe O. A. Aderounmu (Prof)*, Kayode A. Adelusola (Prof) and Lara O Orafidiya (Prof).

Abstract

Calotropis procera Aiton (Calotropis) is a wild-growing plant used for a variety of disease conditions such as leprosy, ulcers, tumor and healing of wounds. The present study was conceived to evaluate the toxicological effect of the latex following systemic use in Sprague- Dawley rats with a view to understanding its potential safety in treating wounds and preventing keloid formation in human. Haematological evaluation revealed a significant and progressive reduction of the packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell count at high doses of the latex. There was no significant effect on the differential count except for lymphocytes which showed significant reduction following increasing concentrations of the latex. Similarly, the latex exhibited no significant effect on the renal indices of the rats: uric acid, urea and creatinine levels. A significant (P

Keywords: Calotropis procera (Calotropis) latex; toxicity; Sprague-Dawley rats.