Abstract:
An aqueous extract of Prunus africana (Hook. f.) Kalkm. (syn. Pygeum africanum) (Hook. f.) (Rosaceae) was
administered daily at dosage rates of 10, 100 and 1000 mg/kg body mass
to randomized groups of Sprague Dawley rats. The extract caused a
moderate rise in plasma alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase
mainly at rates of 1000 mg/kg body mass, but it did not cause any
significant variations in haematological parameters or in plasma levels
of total proteins, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline
phosphatase and blood urea nitrogen at the dosage levels used. There
were no overt clinical signs in any of the rats. It was concluded that
the extract may contain components that are mildly toxic to the liver
and heart of rats after repeated daily oral administrations of 1000
mg/kg body mass.
