Abstract
Ficus exasperata, also called the sandpaper tree, forest sandpaper fig, white fig, or sandpaper leaf tree, is a deciduous, and dioecious species of plant in the mulberry family Moraceae, native to tropical Africa. Sida acuta is a shrub belonging to Malvaceae family. The plant is widely distributed in subtropical regions where it is found in bushes, farms and around habitations.The aim of this study is to carry out acute toxicity and mineral analysis of Ficus exasperata and Sida acuta
Acute toxicity studies was done in two phases; Phase I: 10 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg was calculated. A total of 9 mice were used with 3 mice per one strength of each extract. Phase II: 1600 mg/kg, 2900 mg/kg, and 5000 mg/kg was prepared. A total of 3 mice were used for this phase, with each mice per strength of each extract. A total of 24 mice was used (12 mice per extract).LD50 (Median Lethal dose) is calculated by the formula; The median lethal dose, LD50, was calculated. Heavy metal analysis was done using Bulk scientific VGP210 Atomic Asorption spectroscopy was used to analyse for selected metals with their respective hollow cathode lamp used for absorbance measurements.
The result showed both plant extracts contain numerous phytochemicals. In the acute toxicity studies of Ficus exasperata, only one mouse administered with 1000 mg/kg dose died in phase one. All the animals in phase two died. LD50 was calculated to be 316.22 mg/kg. With Sida acuta, all the mice in phase one survived. Only the mouse administered 5000 mg/kg died in phase two. LD50=3,807.89 mg/kg. Heavy metal analysis of Sida acuta showed the methanolic plant extract lacked harmful metals and contaims mineral elements in permissible amounts. From the results of the experiments, it can be concluded that both plant extracts are rich in phytochemical constituents. It can also be concluded that the leaf extract of Sida acuta can be tolerated in doses below 3807.89 mg/kg while the extract of Ficus exasperata can only be tolerated in doses below 316.22 mg/kg .Sida acuta contains metals in permissible amounts as provided by WHO.
