Herbs have been used traditionally as therapeutic agents since the beginning of human civilization in the whole world. Salacia lehmbachii has a wide folkloric usage in Southeastern Nigeria and its toxic effects on hepatocytes are worth evaluating scientifically. This study assessed the toxic effects of aqueous (ASL) and ethanol (ESL) root bark extracts of S. lehmbachii on hepatocytes in albino rats. Defatted petroleum ether residue of the plant powder was Soxhlet extracted using water and

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... l. Thirty five healthy albino rats weighing 180-200g were randomly divided into seven groups, A-G (n=5). Group A (Control) received 2ml of distilled water, groups B, C and D received 250, 500 and 750mg/kg of ASL respectively while groups E, F and G received 250, 500 and 750mg/kg of ESL respectively. Administration was per oral using an orogastric tube for 28 consecutive days. At the end of treatment, blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. Rats livers were excised, weighed and processed for histological examination. Data obtained were computed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Turkey's multiple comparison as post hoc. The results revealed that serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, protein and albumin were not significantly (P >0.05) changed as compared to control group. Liver cytoarchitecture was well preserved for lower doses except at 750mg/kg where there were mild changes which were again not significant. This study shows that the two extracts at the doses used were not hepatotoxic and lays credence to the plant being used in folkloric medicine in Southeastern Nigeria.