Rauvolfia vomitoria is one of the plant sources of medicines, known for its peculiar rich in alkaloids. Its therapeutic potential had been widely studied. The toxicological profile of its alkaloid extracts remains sketchy. This study investigated the toxic potential of Rauvolfia vomitoria alkaloid extracts in Wistar rats. Fresh leaves of Rauvolfia vomitoria were carefully processed in methanol using Soxhlet extractor The extract was administered orally to four groups of Wistar rats (n=5 per group) at doses of 0 (control), 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight daily for 14 days. Standard protocol assays were used to assess liver and kidney function markers. The alkaloid extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria caused dose-dependent effects on liver and kidney tissues in Wistar rats. At lower doses (1500 mg/kg), the extract was relatively well tolerated, causing only mild biochemical changes. However, at higher doses (4000–7000 mg/kg), the extract led to significant alterations in biochemical parameters, indicating liver and kidney toxicity. The alkaloid extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria caused dose-dependent effects on liver and kidney tissues in Wistar rats. At lower doses (1500 mg/kg), the extract was relatively well tolerated, causing only mild biochemical changes. However, at higher doses (4000–7000 mg/kg), the extract led to significant alterations in biochemical parameters, indicating liver and kidney toxicity. These findings suggested that while Rauvolfia vomitoria alkaloid extract may have potential medicinal value, it is toxic at high doses.
Arowolo Ademola Simon (Wed,) studied this question.