TOXICITY EVALUATION OF CEIBA PENTANDRA (L) GAERTN ACETONE LEAF EXTRACT USING DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER MODEL

Toxicity studies are used to determine the safety of materials with pharmacological actions when used in animal models. It also establishes the safe limits in conditions of use. There have been previous reports as regards the safety of Ceiba pentandra (C. pentandra) extracts in mammalian models which have been reported to be up 5000 mg/ 5g diet, however, its acetone extract has never been reported. Further, the use of Drosophila melanogaster models has not been used to determine the plant’s safety limits. This study, therefore is aimed at evaluating the acute toxicity of the acetone extract of C. pentandra leaves, using Drosophilia melanogaster models. Mucilage was obtained by soaking the dried leaves in acetone for two days. The phytochemical screening of the extract was carried out. The acetone extract was administered to Drosophila melanogaster in various doses (1mg, 1.5mg, 2mg and 2.5 mg)/ 5g diet and at higher concentrations. There was improvement of survival of Drosophilia melanogaster at low concentrations of the extracts whereas at higher concentrations exceeding 75mg/ 5g diet their survival rate reduced. It can be concluded from this study that it is relatively safe at lower dietary levels while exhibiting a dose-dependent toxicity.