Aganope thyrsiflora (Benth.) Polhill: Acute, sub-acute, and in silico toxicological evaluation of an underexplored ethnomedicinal plant

Aganope thyrsiflora (Benth.) Polhill, is a lesser-known ethnomedicinal plant traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal ailments. Despite its use in folk medicine, its pharmacological efficacy and safety profile remain largely unexamined. To evaluate the systemic effects and potential toxicological risks of the methanolic extract of A. thyrsiflora through combined experimental and computational approaches. In vivo acute and sub-acute toxicity were assessed via biochemical analysis, liver histopathology, and serum electrolyte analysis. LC-MS identified major phytoconstituents, which were further evaluated using in silico toxicity prediction tools. Extract treatment increased serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), while reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Liver function markers remained within physiological ranges, though serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP) increased at higher doses. Histopathology confirmed preserved hepatic structure without pathological changes. A remarkable hypoglycemic effect were observed. LC-MS identified fifteen major compounds, several of which were flagged with organ-specific toxicity alerts in silico . The methanolic extract of A. thyrsiflora shows hypoglycemic potential and general hepatic safety at tested doses. However, its metabolic effects and predicted compound-specific toxicities highlight the need for further investigation. This study provides the first toxicological basis for future pharmacological validation of this underexplored ethnomedicinal species.