Acute toxicity study on neem (azadirachta indica, juss) leaf aqueous extract in chicken (gallus gallus domesticus)

Abstract

Background: Acute toxicity of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf aqueous extract was tested on chickens; and the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) was calculated. Both clinical signs, gross lesion and microscopic lesions at post mortem were recorded.

Objectives: To evaluate the toxicity of neem leaf extract in chicken, so as to establish safe usage of neem products.

Methods: Five experimental groups of chickens were used in this study. Four of the groups were respectively given intraperitoneal doses of 800mg/kg, 1600mg/kg, 3200mg/kg and 6400mg/kg of the extract, while group five was control. The LD₅₀ was calculated. Clinical signs and tissue post mortem and microscopic lesions recorded.

Results: The calculated median lethal dose (LD₅₀) was 4800mg/kg. The severity of the clinical signs, gross and microscopic lesions of tissues observed at post mortem was dose- dependent.

Conclusion: This study has shown that Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf aqueous extract is toxic, with toxicity being dose- dependent, and should be used with caution in ethno-veterinary practice.