Toxicity of Balanites aegyptiaca Seeds Oil in Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Balanites aegyptiaca (L.), a multipurpose tree, is used widely in the Sudan for its nutritional, cosmetic, industrial and medicinal values. The seeds oil has been used by natives to treat rheumatism and as edible oil. The present study was designed to investigate the toxicological status of B. aegyptiaca seeds petroleum ether extract in Wistar albino rats in acute and sub-chronic toxicity models. In acute toxicity model, rats were orally administered B. aegyptiaca seeds petroleum ether extract at a dose of 2, 4, 8 and 20 ml/kg and observed for signs of toxicity and mortality for 24 hours. In sub-chronic model, rats were given B. aegyptiaca seeds oil at a dose of 4 and 8 ml/kg orally for 21 days. Haematological parameters, liver and kidney function tests were taken before and after the administration of each treatment. Histopathology was also performed for different organs. The results indicated that no mortality was seen after administration of seeds oil up to 20 ml/kg in acute toxicity model. On the other hand, oral administration of B. aegyptiaca seeds petroleum ether extract for 21 days did not prove any signs of toxicity or organs damage as evidenced by insignificant (p> 0.05) change in haematological parameters, serum enzymes activities of ALT, AST, ALP, and urea and creatinine as well as total protein level in treated groups as compared with control group. Furthermore, sections of different organs of treated animals showed minor insignificant histopathological changes, with exception of two kidney sections which showed focal degenerative changes in rats given high dose of extract. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that the petroleum ether extract of B. aegyptiaca seeds is safe when administered orally in rats in acute and sub-chronic toxicity models.