Acute and Subchronic Toxicity of Tridax Procumbens in Experimental Animals

The study investigated the toxicity of ethyl acetate extract of Tridax procumbens in rats, focusing on both acute and subchronic effects. Acute toxicity tests revealed signs such as salivation and restlessness, with an LD50 of 2100 mg/kg. In the subchronic study, rats were given doses up to 800 mg/kg for 14 days, resulting in significant changes in glucose levels and liver enzyme activities, particularly at the highest dose. While body weight and organ ratios increased, high doses caused endothelial toxicity, leading to haemorrhage and haemosiderin deposition in the liver and kidneys. The study concluded that higher doses of the extract had specific toxic effects, as evidenced by histopathological findings.