Sub-chronic Toxicity Evaluation of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Pontederia crassipes Using an Animal Model

This study evaluated the acute and 28-day repeated-dose effects of an aqueous leaf extract of Pontederia crassipes in male Wistar rats. Twenty-five rats were allocated to five groups, comprising a control group and groups administered the extract at 1000, 2000, 3000, or 4000 mg/kg body weight. Animals were monitored for signs of acute toxicity, after which haematological indices, hepatic and renal function markers, lipid-profile parameters, and selected oxidative-stress markers were assessed following the treatment period. No mortality or overt signs of acute toxicity were reported at the administered doses. Haematological responses varied among treatment groups, with changes observed in packed cell volume, haemoglobin, white blood cell counts, platelets, and differential leukocyte counts. Hepatic biochemical parameters also showed dose-related variation. Serum creatinine increased at the higher doses, with the highest-dose group recording 2.40 ± 0.62 compared with 1.00 ± 0.46 in the control group, indicating a possible adverse renal effect at high exposure. Total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were lower in treated groups, whereas changes in LDL cholesterol varied among doses. Antioxidant markers also showed non-uniform responses, including dose-dependent variations in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde. Overall, the findings indicate that the aqueous leaf extract produced multiple biochemical and haematological responses, with evidence suggesting increased renal risk at the highest administered dose of 4000 mg/kg body weight. Further evaluation is required to establish an appropriate safety range.