Chemical and biological investigations of a toxic plant from Central Africa, Magnistipula butayei subsp. montana

C. Karangwa, V. Esters, M. Frédérich, M. Tits, J.N. Kadima, J. Damas, A. Noirfalise, L. Angenot
2006 Journal of Ethnopharmacology  
A4cigni. §/i.pw/cz b4iJciyei. subsp. mon/ancï (CAErysobcz/cïnczceOEe) is known, in the Great Lakes Region, to possess toxicological properties. In this paper, we investigated the acute toxicity (dose levels 50-1600 mgAEg) of its aqueous extract, administered orally to adult Wi. §/c]r rats. This study demonstrated that the freeze-dried aqueous extract (5%, w/w) possesses high toxicity. The extract caused hypothermia, neurological disorders, including extensor reflex of maximal convulsfve
more » ... seizures at about 2 h after the administered dose, and death occumed (LD5o = 370 mgn{g) in a dose dependent manner. Blood parameter evaluation revealed slight variations, but these might not have clinical relevance. Histological examination of intemal organs (lungs, liver, heart and kidneys) did not reveal any abnormality in the treated group compared to the control. Therefore, it can be concluded that Mcign!.s/!.pw/ci bwfczyc!. subsp. monfczncz aqueous extract, given oral]y, is toxic and that its target is the central nervous system. General phytochemical screening revealed that the plant did not contain significant amounts of products known to be toxic, such as alkaloids or cardioactive glycosides, but only catechic tannins, amino acids, saponins and other aphrogen principles in the three parts of the species (fruit, leave and bark).
doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.08.019 pmid:16174557 fatcat:fmk7ba336bbnpodg4zw7geqjju