Abstract
PURPOSE: This study evaluated the biochemical effects of ethanol leaves extract on Wistar rats and also shed light on its constituents and phytonutrients. METHODS: The ethanolic extract of J. secunda leaves was prepared using conventional methods. Then, proximate and phytochemical analyses of the extracts were carried out using several methods previously reported in the literatures. The biochemical studies were also carried out as reported in previous literatures. RESULTS: The ethanolic leaves extract contains appreciable quantities of phytonutrients and micronutrients as well as phytochemical constituents. The LD(50) of the extract was determined to be 3800mg/kg body weight. There was a dose-dependent elevation of the blood sugar in comparison with the control. There was no significant increase on the bilirubin and liver enzymes levels or on the haematological parameters of the lab animals. The extract significantly elevated the lipid profile (P value < 0.0001), the glomerular filtration rate (increased creatinine and blood urea levels - P value < 0.0001), the serum electrolytes and the animals' weight. There was a significant decrease in the anion gap (P value < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The ethanol leaf extract of Justicia secunda has negative cardiac and renal effects on Wistar rats, causing increased lipid profile values, creatinine and blood urea levels in the experimental animals compared with control. The LD(50) is below the safety level. Caution should be exercised as the biochemical profiles of cardiac and renal effects do not seem to be promising and the LD(50) is below the safety level.