ABSTRACT
Acute and subchronic toxicity studies were carried out on the stem bark extract of Anacardium occidentale Linn. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of A. occidentale on liver, heart and kidney function indices as well as the weight and hematological parameters in albino rats. Biochemical assays carried out include albumin, urea, creatinine, lipid profile as well as determination of activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase.
A total of thirty-five (35) male albino rats were divided into seven groups of five (5) rats each. They were given growers mash and water ad libitum. Groups one (control), two, three, four, five, six and seven were administered 0, 10, 100, 1000, 1600, 2900 and 5000 mg/kg body weight of the extract per day respectively for a period of 30days. Weekly measurements of body weight were carried out. After 30 days, the rats were subjected to overnight fast, they were sacrificed and blood samples collected into sterile container with anticoagulant.
There was no significant change (p > 0.05) in the relative body weight of the rats. The administration of the extract significantly increased (p < 0.05) the plasma AST, ALT, LDH and ALP activities as well as urea and creatinine concentrations in the rats administered 2900 and 5000 mg/kg body weight of the extracts compared with the control. The plasma CK, SOD and Catalase activities as well as the hematological parameters and total bilirubin concentration were not significantly altered (p > 0.05) compared with the control. Furthermore, total protein and levels were significantly altered (p < 0.05) compared with the control. The results obtained from the enzyme albumin study were also supported by the histological findings. Conclusively, administration of the methanol extract of stem bark of Anacardium occidentale produced a compromise in the integrity of the liver and kidney at higher doses of 2900 and 5000 mg/kg body weight of the extract in albino rats.
