Abstract

Uche A. Eze , Shaibu O. Bello , Emmanuel U. Etuk , George I. Ameh , Oguejiofor M. Ugwah,Chinenye J. Ugwah-Oguejiofor *

Leucas martinicensis (Jacq.) R. Br. Family Lamiaceae and commonly called Whitewort grows widely in the Northern part of Nigeria. It has been traditionally used to treat inflammatory conditions, rashes, diarrhoea, epilepsy and convulsions. The present study was to investigate the safety and phytochemical components of the aqueous leave extract of Leucas martinicensis. The quantitative and qualitative phytochemical studies were conducted on the leaf extract. Acute toxicity was studied using the up and down procedure at an oral Limit dose of 3000 mg/kg body weight. Female rats in sequence were used to test for acute toxic effect. Repeat dose toxicity study was carried out at an oral dose of 750 mg/kg daily for 28days. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of saponins (3.15%), glycosides (1.35%), alkaloids (3.95%) and flavonoids (3.56%). The acute toxicity result showed that the extract has LD50 above 3000mg/kg and repeat dose toxicity studies of the extract revealed elevated aspartate transaminase enzyme and haemorrhage around the cardiac myocytes. Though the extract is relatively safe, its prolong use may carry risk of cardiac toxicities.