Acute and Sub- acute Toxicity of Methanol Root Extract of Azanza Garckeana (Malvaceae) in Albino Rats

Background: Azanza garckeana (A. garckeana) is a widely used traditional medicinal plant known for treating various human ailments. This study aimed to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity of its methanol root extract in albino rats. Methods: A total of 24 rats were divided into four groups. Three groups received oral doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg of the extract for 28 days, while the control group received saline for the same period. Throughout the study, clinical signs of toxicity were monitored. On day 29, blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analysis, followed by euthanization and histopathological examination of the heart, liver, and kidneys. Results: The results revealed a significant increase (P<0.001) in white blood cell (WBC) counts in all treatment groups compared to the control and the increase was dose-dependent. Additionally, significant elevations (P=0.01) in liver enzymes AST and ALT were observed, especially in the 150 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg groups. Histopathological evaluation showed notable kidney damage in the 600 mg/kg group, including glomerular shrinkage, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and focal tubular necrosis. Liver tissues from the 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg groups exhibited chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Conclusion: Repeated administration of A. garckeana methanol root extract induced subacute toxicity in albino rats, particularly affecting the liver and kidneys. The severity of histopathological changes suggested a dose-related pattern of organ toxicity. Caution is advised in the prolonged medicinal use of this plant by traditional healers.