Antitussive Activity and Toxicological Profile of the Aqueous Extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.) Used in the Traditional Treatment of Cough in Togo

Introduction : Cough remains one of the most prevalent respiratory symptoms worldwide, particularly in developing countries where access to conventional therapies is often limited. Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.), traditionally used in Togo for the management of cough, was investigated for its antitussive activity and toxicological profile. Design : The aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Chenopodium ambrosioides (AECA) was prepared and evaluated. Antitussive activity was assessed in Wistar rats using an 25 % ammonium hydroxide solution induced cough model. Cytotoxicity was determined by the Artemia salina lethality assay, while acute oral toxicity was evaluated at a single dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight in rats. Results : AECA significantly and dose-dependently prolonged the cough latency period by 55.5%, 104.8%, and 141% at 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg, respectively, compared with the negative control (p < 0.05). Codeine camphosulfonate (10 mg/kg) increased latency by 168% (p < 0.05). AECA also reduced cough frequency by 30.8%, 51.3%, and 63.3% at the same respective doses, whereas codeine induced a 70.9% inhibition (p < 0.05). The Artemia salina assay revealed an LC₅₀ value of 0.70 mg/mL, classifying AECA as non-toxic according to Mousseux’s scale. In acute toxicity testing, no mortality or clinical signs of toxicity were observed over 14 days, and hematological (RBC, Hb, WBC) and biochemical (ALT, AST, urea, creatinine) parameters remained within normal limits. Conclusion : These findings demonstrate that AECA possesses significant, dose dependent antitussive activity and excellent safety, thereby validating its traditional use in cough management in Togo. Keywords : Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.) ; Antitussive activity ; Cytotoxicity ; Acute toxicity ; Cough ; Togo.