Phytochemical analysis and toxicity evaluation of Polyscias fulva stem bark extract using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, in silico, and in vivo studies in wistar rats

Scientific research on Polyscias fulva has demonstrated the plant’s pharmacological properties, including antitumor, antibacterial, and hypoglycemic effects, but there is a paucity of data concerning the phytochemical components responsible for these effects as well as the safety of Polyscias fulva. This study aimed to profile the phytoconstituents in the different solvent fractions of the ethanolic extract of Polyscias fulva stem bark using GC–MS and FTIR analysis, and subsequently evaluate acute and sub-acute toxicity effects in Wistar albino rats. GC–MS analysis identified 19 major phytocompounds. In silico toxicity prediction revealed the potential skin sensitization, eye corrosion, and respiratory toxicity effects of some of the identified compounds. Polyscias fulva ethanolic stem bark extract showed minimum acute toxicity in Wistar albino rats, with an LD50 exceeding 5000 mg/kg. Sub-acute toxicity testing did not show any significant biochemical or hematological toxic effects. However, dose dependent histopathological toxic effects were noted in the lungs with the lower doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) causing mild bronchitis with mononuclear cell infiltration, and the highest dose (800 mg/kg) causing marked peri-bronchiolar and perivascular lymphoid cell accumulation. These findings suggest the presence of pharmacologically active phytochemicals in Polyscias fulva with no major acute toxicity, biochemical or hematological toxic effects, but with lung specific dose-dependent histopathological toxic effects, and predicted skin and eye sensitivity reactions. Further research is needed to identify the specific phytochemicals responsible for its pharmacological activities and potential toxic effects, to inform its safe use in managing human ailments.