STUDY OF THE ACUTE AND SUBACUTE TOXICITY OF A HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT DERIVED FROM THE PULP OF THE RAPHIA SESE DE WILD FRUIT IN WISTAR RATS

Introduction:-The use of medicinal plants is very common in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the pulp of the fruit of Raphia sese De Wild. is used for nutritional and curative purposes. However, scientific details regarding its toxicity remain limited. Objective:-This study aims to assess the acute and subacute toxicity of the fruit pulp extract of Raphia sese De Wild. in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods:-We conducted an experimental study on Wistar rats, divided into groups receiving three doses of the extract (1000, 2000, and 5000 mg/kg) in a single administration to assess the effects of acute toxicity, followed by clinical observation over a 15-day period and body weight monitoring every three days. Regarding subacute toxicity, we administered the extract daily at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg to the rats for 28 days. Hematological and biochemical analyses were performed to identify any potential toxic effects associated with consumption of the extract, in accordance with the guidelines of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.