EXTRACT

Rauvolfia vomitoria is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional African medicine for the management of hypertension, mental disorders, and various other ailments. However, the safety profile of its leaf extracts, which are commonly used, remains inadequately scientifically validated. This study was designed to investigate the acute toxicity of the methanol leaf extract of R. Vomitoria in mice. Fresh leaves were collected, authenticated, air-dried, and macerated in 70% methanol. The extract was concentrated using a rotary evaporator. Phytochemical screening was conducted to identify the bioactive constituents. The acute oral toxicity study was carried out according to the OECD Guideline 425 (Up-and-Down Procedure). Twenty adult albino mice were used and administered single oral doses of the extract ranging from 10 mg/kg to 5000 mg/kg. The mice were observed for behavioural changes and mortality over 24 hours, followed by a 14-day monitoring period. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. In the acute toxicity test, no mortality was recorded at any of the administered doses, including the limit test dose of 5000 mg/kg. Observed behavioural effects such as scratching, restlessness, and sedation were mild and transient. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of the methanol leaf extract was therefore determined to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. The findings indicate that the methanol leaf extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria is practically non-toxic following acute oral administration in mice. This high safety margin provides a scientific basis for the relative safety of its traditional use and supports further investigation into its pharmacological potential. It is recommended that sub-chronic and chronic toxicity studies be conducted to fully elucidate its long-term safety profile.

Background: Oral hygiene is an important part of the body overall well-being, and should be treated with the utmost care to prevent dental problems. Acalypha wilkesiana Muell. Arg. Euphorbiaceae), commonly known as copper leaf, is a tropical lant native to West Africa, with notable antimicrobial activities. This study was carried out to investigate the antimicrobial properties of the methanol leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana formulated as herbal toothpaste. Method: Toothpaste was formulated using the leaf extract of A. wilkesiana. The extract was incorporated into a toothpaste base prepared using calcium carbonate, starch, glycerin, sodium lauryl sulfate, saccharine and peppermint oil. Sensory and physicochemical properties of the toothpaste were evaluated. Antimicrobial evaluation was by the Agar well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, acillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella aerogenes, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger at concentrations of 100-500
mg/ml. Results: The A. wilkesiana formulated toothpaste had a pleasant smell and was sweet to taste. It had good foaming abilities with a pH range of 7.4-7.8. The formulated herbal toothpaste had poor antibacterial activity but no antifungal activity against the clinical isolates at low concentrations. Significant activities were recorded at 500 mg/ml against all five (5) bacteria isolates, with Bacillus subtilis recording the highest zone of inhibition. Conclusion: The formulated A. wilkesiana toothpaste showed significant antibacterial effects against microbes implicated in periodontal diseases and dental caries, hence serving as a potential alternative to orthodox toothpastes for maintaining oral hygiene. Keywords: Acalypha wilkesiana, Euphorbiaceae, Antimicrobial, Toothpaste