Abstract

Elendu Melford Uche, Uche Mercylyn Ezinne*, Ekweogu Celestine Nwabu

ABSTRACT

The fruit of Solanum macrocarpon is used in traditional medicine to treat sore throat, heart diseases and as an antihelminthic agent. The present research evaluated the phytochemistry, toxicity studies and antiulcerogenic effects of aqueous fruit extract of Solanum macrocarpon in rats. Animals were grouped (n=5/group) for acute toxicity test and treated with variuos doses of the fruit extract: 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 2000mg/kg, 3000mg/kg, 4000mg/kg and 5000mg/kg according to the method described by OECD. For subacute toxicity and ulcer studies, rats were grouped (n=6/group). For toxicity study, group 1 served as the normal control while groups 2, 3 and 4 received 150mg/kg, 300mg/kg and 600mg/kg of Solanum macrocarpon fruit extract via daily gavage for 14 days respectively. For the ulcer experiment, groups 1,2 and 3 served as normal, negative and positive control respectively while groups 4, 5 and 6 received 150mg/kg, 300mg/kg and 600mg/kg of Solanum macrocarpon fruit extract respectively. All analysis and measurements were done using standard laboratory methods. In acute toxicity experiment, no signs of toxicity and no mortality was recorded. Animals evaluated for biomarkers: liver, kidney, lipid profile, haematological and antioxidant parameters did not show any sign of toxicity while ulcer study revealed antiulcer effect of Solanum macrocarpon fruit. This study shows that Solanum macrocarpon is safe with potent antiulcerogenic effects.