Prolonged (28 days) toxicity study, phytochemical and proximate composition of the aqueous leaf extract of Diosphyros mesipiliformis

The study aimed to determine the toxicity level of aqueous leaf extract of Diospyros mespiliformis on  Wister albino rats and the phytochemical and proximate composition of Diospyros mespiliformis. The plant extract was found to contain Tannin, Saponin, flavonoid, glycoside, volatile fatty acid and Resin as constituent following phytochemical analysis.  On further study using proximate analysis shown that the following constituents were found moisture (1%), Ash (7%), lipid (1.5%), fibre (2.5%), Nitrogen (1.89%), crude protein (11.81% and Carbohydrate (74.3%).  Sub-chronic toxicity studies of aqueous leaf extract of Diospyros mespiliformis was conducted following 28 days administration of 1000, 2000 and 3000mg/kg to three group rats respectively, while the fourth group served as a control. Change in body weight, haematological and serum biochemical parameters as well as gross post changes used as indices of toxicity. The percentage yield of the extract was 16.0%. These were inappetence and weight loss in the first week of the study in the experimental groups but were no significant changes in body weight, haematology and serum biochemistry (P>0.05). It can therefore be inferred that this extract is safe at a dose of 3000mg/kg in rats following consecutive daily administration for 28 days.