Acute toxicity study on ethanolic extract of the leaves of Acacia nilotica

Abstract

The ethanolic leaves extract of Acacia ni/otica was evaluated for acute toxicity to determine the toxicity (LD₅₀) using the method of Lorke. Twelve laboratory mice were used to conduct the first and second phase of the study. In the first phase nine mice were grouped in 3 groups each of three mice in which they were administered to three different concentrations at (1000 mg/g, 100 mg/g and 10 mg/g) for the groups (I, II & III) respectively. The mice were observed for 24 hour, then in the second phase where the remaining three mice were also grouped in to three groups each, and also administered to three different concentrations as (1,600 mg/g, 2,900 mg/g 5,000 mg/g). The results in the first phase showed no death of animal in each groups, but on the second concentrations, in which the Geometric mean which refers as LD₅₀ phase the death occurred in group (I, II & III) at (2,900 mg/g & 5,000 mg/g) was calculated as 2.15 mg/g. This showed that the plant is less toxic and is safe for consumption and use as medicinal plant. This research may serve as baseline for more research on the mode of applications and usages.