ABSTRACT

Lawsonia inermis extract is widely used for medicinal purpose in treatment of various ailment in many countries. The aim of this study was to determine the adverse effects of leaf and seed extracts of Lawsonia inermis on organs of wistar rats. Acute toxicity profile was carried out with dose pattern of 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000mg/kg body weight and general health of rats was monitored and noted. The study was conducted by administering the seed and leaf extracts of Lawsonia inermis at 37.5, 75, 150 and 300mg/kg body weight for 1, 2 and 3 months. Blood samples were collected from each rat for full blood count, blood glucose, electrolyte and liver function test, liver, kidney, gastrointestinal and ovary of wister rats were harvested and fixed immediately in 10% buffered formal saline while testis was fixed in Bonn’s fluid. Histopathological analysis was performed on liver, kidney, gastrointestinal, testis, and ovary of rats. The administration of the extracts revealed significant increase in the values of packed cells volume and platelet count (p<0.005). Also observed was varying values of neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil in different months which is statistically significant (p<0.005). The level of aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase at the third month of exposure increased significantly (p<0.005). Alanine aminotransferase, total protein, albumin and blood glucose were within normal range when compared with control. Liver and kidney Sections of the exposed groups appeared normal. Sections of testes showed spermatogenesis whereas Section of ovary revealed scanty graffian follicles mostly immature at all doses as well as scanty luteal bodies in both seed and leaf extracts. Further studies are advocated to elucidate the impact of the seed and leaf extracts of Lawsonia inermis in man.