WEEKLY WEIGHT

This study evaluated the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Pleurotus ostreatus on the weekly body-weight changes and organ weights of Wistar rats under sub-chronic oral administration. Twenty male rats (159–230 g) were divided into four groups: control, and three treatment groups receiving 100 mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of the extract for 28 days. The extract was prepared through ethanol maceration of air-dried P. ostreatus leaves, and animal handling followed institutional ethical standards. Weekly body weights were recorded, and organ weights (liver, kidneys, heart, testes, and spleen) were assessed post-sacrifice. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at P ≤
0.05. The results revealed a dose-dependent, progressive increase in body weight across treatment groups compared with control, with no mortality or observable toxicity. Organ-weight analysis indicated normal physiological ranges, suggesting that the extract did not induce adverse metabolic effects. The observed steady growth pattern indicates that ethanol extract of P. ostreatus may enhance nutrient utilization and metabolic efficiency without compromising safety during sub-chronic exposure. These findings support the nutritional and pharmacological potential of P. Ostreatus as a functional food and safe metabolic enhancer