Subchronic toxicity of hydroethanolic extract of Azanza garckeana fruit in Wistar rats

Abstract

Introduction: The fruit of Azanza garckeana is widely consumed in tropical Africa and is traditionally used to treat conditions such as dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and infertility. Despite its established ethnomedicinal value and promising pharmacological properties, the long-term safety profile of its hydroethanolic extract (AZG-HE) remains insufficiently studied.Materials and Methods: This study evaluated the safety of repeated oral administration of AZG-HE in albino Wistar rats (n=84) across multiple dose levels over extended treatment periods. Hematological, serum biochemical, and antioxidant parameters were assessed, including lipid profiles, renal and hepatic function markers, and oxidative stress indicators in selected organs. A recovery phase followed treatment to evaluate the reversibility of any observed effects.Results: Administration of AZG-HE did not result in clinical signs of toxicity, even at the highest tested dose over the longest treatment period. While minor and transient reductions in weight gain and feed intake occurred at higher doses, these normalized by the end of the study. The extract significantly improved lipid profiles in a dose-dependent manner and markedly enhanced antioxidant status, increasing hepatic and renal glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity while reducing lipid peroxidation. All biochemical and physiological changes were fully reversible upon discontinuation of treatment.Conclusion: Long-term oral administration of Azanza garckeana hydroethanolic extract (AZG-HE) demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no evidence of cumulative toxicity and complete reversibility of transient effects. Its hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities support its traditional use and potential as a nutraceutical for managing metabolic and oxidative stress-related disorders. Further histopathological and clinical investigations are recommended.