Multicellular Effects from Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Cadaba farinosa Forsk on Selective Internal Organs of Wistar Rats

Introduction: Cadaba farinosa Forsk belongs to the family Cappariraceae used in the treatments of snakebite, breast cancer, and retained placenta in African traditional medicine. However, information about the plant toxicity profile and risk awareness are largely unknown.

Aim: To determine the histopathological, biochemical, and hematological effects from aqueous stem bark extract of Cadaba farinosa Forsk on selective internal organs of Wistar rats.

Methods: Twenty (20) Wistar rats were randomly divided into five (5) groups of four rats each. The extract was administered by oral gavage in doses of 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analyses, while the liver, kidney, spleen, lung, brain, and stomach were harvested and processed histopathologically using standard methods.

Results: Oral administration of the aqueous stem bark extract from Cadaba farinosa Forsk caused a significant increase in hematocrit (P=0.044) and hemoglobin (P=0.046). However, the white blood cell was significantly (P=0.011) reduced at doses of 300 and 400 mg/kg compared to control. The serum albumin of treated animals was also significantly (P=0.017) reduced in a dose-dependent manner compared to control. In addition, histopathological sections of treated animals showed pulmonary hemorrhage, stomach edema, vacuolation in the spleen, and necrosed hepatocytes.

Conclusion: Oral administration of the aqueous stem bark extract from Cadaba farinosa Forsk for 28 days is toxic to the liver, spleen, stomach, and lung. Reducing the therapeutic dose and period of exposure may minimize the deleterious effects of plant drugs.