In this study, the ethanolic leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata was analyzed for qualitative and quantitative
composition and evaluated for oral toxicity in Swiss Webster albino mice. The mice were grouped into two and tested
for acute (fixed single dose… More
In this study, the ethanolic leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata was analyzed for qualitative and quantitative
composition and evaluated for oral toxicity in Swiss Webster albino mice. The mice were grouped into two and tested
for acute (fixed single dose of 2000 and 5000 mg/kg) and sub-acute (daily dose of 250 and 500mg/kg extract for 28
days) toxicity. Animal behavior, body weight, morbidity, and mortality were monitored for 14 days (acute) and 28 days
(sub-acute), respectively. Hematologic and blood chemistry parameters (alanine transaminase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen
(BUN), creatinine) were measured and analyzed. The mice were sacrificed and necropsied at the end of the study, and
organ weights were analyzed. Based on the phytochemical analysis, C. odorata contained phenols, flavonoids, tannins,
saponins, and anthraquinones. Total phenolic and flavonoids were 146.69±10.25 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE/L) and
25.75±2.64 mg quercetin equivalent (QE/g). A single dose of the extract (2000-5000mg/kg) is non-lethal but causes
temporary toxicity signs. Repeated doses (250-500 mg/kg) caused low ALT, mortality (500 mg/kg), tachypnea, dry hair
coat, and alopecia. Both acute and sub-acute toxicity of the leaf extract hampers growth. Less