TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF THE WATER EXTRACT OF AGERATUM CONYZOIDES IN RATS

Abstract

The study on the toxicological effects of the leaf extract of Ageratum conyzoides was conducted in rats. The LD50 of the extract was found to be 600mg/kg. Postmortem changes associated with acute toxicity of the extract include generalized congestion of the intestines, liver, and the kidney, petechial haemorrhages on the subcontaneous muscles and along the gastrointestinal tract, paracentral hepatic necrosis and proximal convulated tubules. In chronic studies the extract did not produce any significant effect (P < 0.05) on weight gain, haematology and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and blood urea nitrogen. However, dose dependent lesions were detected in the histopathological sections of the intestines, liver and kidneys. It was concluded that the leaf extract Ageratum conyzoides like the other crude plant extract s possess toxic potentials, therefore, it should be used with caution in traditional medical practice.