Evaluation of Acute and Sub-Acute Oral Toxicities of Momordica foetida Schumach. (Cucurbitaceae) Leaves Methanol Extract in Wistar Rats

Momordica foetida is a plant widely used in tropical Africa to manage gastroenteric diseases. Previous studies demonstrated interesting antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacteria. However, the security or toxicity of methanol leaf extract has not been determined yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicity of the leaf extract of Momordica foetida. In the acute toxicity study, a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight was administered to rats which were observed for 14 days in order to identify signs of toxicity or death. In the sub-acute toxicity, the animals were treated with 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg of the extract for 28 consecutive days. Body weights and behavior were noted throughout the experiment. Upon treatment, blood and urine were collected for hematological and biochemical analysis. Liver, lungs, heart, kidneys, testes and ovaries were analyzed for relative weights and histopathology. The acute toxicity study of M. foetida leaf extract revealed no signs of toxicity related to the treatment, indicating that the median-lethal-dose (LD50) value is greater than 5000 mg/Kg of body weight. In the sub-acute toxicity assay, the extract did not affect the general behavior of animals, meanwhile, it led to a significant increase in the levels of red blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, granulocytes and Mid-Cells (MIDs). Biochemical parameters showed an increase in total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, serum urea, serum and urinary glucose and a decrease in urinary proteins, serum creatinine, urinary urea levels, serum activities of AST, ALT and proteins levels, as well as increases in lung, spleen and ovaries relative weight were noticed, all compared to control animals. Histological analysis revealed a normal architecture of kidneys, liver, heart, lung, ovaries and testes. This study provides valuable data on the safety of per os administration of Momordica foetida leaf methanol extract that could be very useful for future assays.