PHYTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND TOXICITY ASSESSMENT OF ACUTE AND SUB-ACUTE ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF JATROPHA TANJORENSIS LEAF

ABSTRACTThe phytochemical evaluation of the aqueous extract of *Jatropha tanjorensis* leaf revealed the presence ofalkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, and steroids. Toxicity studiesindicated no mortality up to 6000 mg/kg in mice, with 33.33% mortality at 7000 mg/kg and 100% mortality at10,000 mg/kg, yielding an LD50 of 7745.97 mg/kg. Biochemical analyses in Wistar rats showed no significant(p<0.05) changes in serum ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) and AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) activitiesbut a significant (p<0.05) reduction in ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) activity, particularly at 400 mg/kg. Serumtotal protein and albumin concentrations increased significantly (p<0.05), while bilirubin and globulin levelsremained unchanged (p<0.05). Urea levels decreased significantly (p<0.05) at 200 mg/kg, with no significant(p<0.05) changes in creatinine, sodium, chloride, and potassium levels. Bicarbonate levels were significantly(p<0.05) reduced at 200 mg/kg. Antioxidant biomarkers—SOD (Superoxide Dismutase), CAT (Catalase), GSH(Reduced glutathione), and GPx (Glutathione peroxidase)—increased (p<0.05) dose-dependently, while MDA(Malondialdehyde) levels decreased (p<0.05). Histological analyses of liver and kidney sections revealed normalultrastructures, indicating no histopathological damage. These findings suggest that Jatropha tanjorensis extracthas a favorable safety profile at lower doses, with potential antioxidant benefits and no adverse effects on liverand kidney structures.Keywords: Antioxidant enzymes, Jatropha tanjorensis, Liver enzymes, Phytochemicals, Toxicit