Toxicity studies of Tithonia diversifolia A. Gray (Asteraceae) in rats

Objective

To investigate the toxicity of an ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Tithonia diversifolia, used in Nigeria to treat malaria, in rats.

Materials and methods

A 70% ethanol extract was administered orally to adult Wistar rats at various dosages (400–1600 mg/kg) and the animals sacrificed and various organs examined at a range of times from 30 min up to 24 h after administration.

Results

The studies showed a dose- and time-dependent toxic effect, which was reversible on the kidney and liver while there was no noticeable adverse effect on the morphology of the heart, spleen and brain.

Conclusion

A 70% ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Tithonia diversifolia, which had previously been shown to reduce parasitemia in mice infected with Plasmodium, displayed kidney and liver toxicity at the lowest dose tested. The use of this plant extract against malaria therefore raises concerns over its safety.