Pk. Gathumbi et al., Biochemical and haematological changes in rats administered an aqueous extract of Prunus africana stem-bark at various dosage levels, ONDERST J V, 67(2), 2000, pp. 123-128
An aqueous extract of Prunes africana (Hook. f.) Kalkm. (syn. Pygeum africa
num) (Hook. f.) (Rosaceae) was administered daily at dosage rates of 10, 10
0 and 1000 mg/kg body mass to randomized groups of Sprague Dawley rats. The
extract caused a moderate rise in plasma alanine aminotransferase and crea
tine kinase mainly at rates of 1000 mg/kg body mass, but it did not cause a
ny significant variations in haematological parameters or in plasma levels
of total proteins, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatas
e and blood urea nitrogen at the dosage levels used. There were no overt cl
inical signs in any of the rats. It was concluded that the extract may cont
ain components that are mildly toxic to the liver and heart of rats after r
epeated daily oral administrations of 1000 mg/kg body mass.