Toxicity Effects of Aqueous Leaf and Bark Extract of Cordia dichotoma (Anonang) in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Cordia dichotoma G. Forst., locally known as Anonang, belonging to the family Boraginaceae, is a small to moderate-sized deciduous tree. Despite the reported therapeutic potential of Cordia dichotoma, there are only a limited number of comprehensive scientific studies that have confirmed or disproven its toxic effects in male rats. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity effects of aqueous leaf and bark extracts of Cordia dichotoma (Anonang) in male rats. The study was conducted at the University of Eastern Philippines Integrated Research Laboratory (UEP-IRL) from July to September 2023. Thirty (30) young adult male Wistar rats, aged 8 to 10 weeks and weighing between 200-300 grams, were divided into three groups. A sample of 100 grams of fresh leaves and bark from Cordia dichotoma was carefully washed under running tap water, followed by a final rinse with distilled water. Group I received a low concentration of the aqueous leaf and bark extract (3 mL), Group II received a moderate concentration (4 mL), and Group III received a high concentration (5 mL). The treatments were administered via intraperitoneal injection for 21 days. Twenty-four (24) hours after the final treatment, all rats were individually weighed and anaesthetized with 95% ethanol before selected organs were dissected for histopathological analysis. Symptoms of toxicity and mortality were more pronounced in the groups treated with the aqueous leaf extract compared to those treated with the aqueous bark extract. However, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in physical observations, mortality rates, or body weights among the different extracts administered and concentrations over the 21 days. Histopathological examination of the liver and spleen revealed mild adverse effects on their structure and function, indicating the potential for selective toxicity of the extract or its components. Therefore, further studies are needed to clarify the precise mechanisms of action and to isolate the active compounds, which will help address any potential toxic effects associated with this plant.