Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part A (2019)

Despite the increase use of herbal medicine, there are inadequate research evidences on their toxicity. Haematostaphis barteri is an important medicinal plant used for the treatment of anemia, hemorrhoid and malaria among others. The phytochemicals and acute oral toxicity profile of the leaves of the plant was investigated using established procedures. Forty albino rats were grouped into 6 groups of 5 rats each receiving 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 mg/kg respectively. The control groups received 1 ml of tween-80 the control vehicle. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of important secondary metabolites, the results of the acute toxicity studies did not show any apparent pharmacotoxic signs. There was no body weight gain and that of vital organs during the observation period. The median lethal dose was found to be greater than 4000 mg/kg body weight. Haematostaphis barteri leaves extract is relatively safe when administered orally to rodents.