Biochemical and haematological changes in rats administered an aqueous extract of Prunus africana stem-bark at various dosage levels

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.