Abstract

Evaluation of phytochemical content, acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the aqueous leaf extract of
Ocimum suave in Wistar rats was carried out. Experimental rats were administered extracts daily for 31
days at dose levels of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg. Acute toxicity and phytochemical screening of
aqueous leaf extract were done according to method of Lorke’s Trease and Evans. Biochemical analysis
was equally done at the end of the administration of extracts using standard methods. At the end of the
study, animals were sacrificed and blood samples taken for biochemical assay. The LD50 was found to
be greater than 10,000 mg/kg body weight. Results showed the presence of most phytochemicals
tested for. The aqueous extract caused a decrease in ALT activity but AST and CK activities were higher
in the treated groups in a dose dependent manner relative to the control. The aqueous leaf extract of
Ocimum suave affected mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin and mean cell hemoglobin concentration.
The aqueous leaf extract caused mean body weight gain, but decrease in relative organ weight. The study
suggests that the aqueous extract administered at normal therapeutic doses is not likely to produce severe
toxic effects on some hematological and biochemical indices in rats and the organs tested. Chronic
toxicity of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum suave should be done for histological, haematological and
biochemical evaluation.
Key Words: Ocimum suave, Toxicity, Wistar Rats, Biochemical assay, Phytochemical, Extract