Acute Oral Toxicity and Phytochemistry of Catharanthus Roseus and Schwenckia Americana Used as Antidiabetic Plants in Southern Benin

This study evaluated the acute oral toxicity and phytochemistry of Catharanthus roseus and Schwenckia americana, plants used for diabetes treatment in Benin. Using the OECD 423 protocol, aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts were administered to Wistar albino rats at a dose of 2000 mg/kg/bw. The study found no mortality or clinical signs of toxicity, and no significant changes in hematological and biochemical parameters. However, histological analysis revealed lesions in the renal and hepatic tissues of rats treated with the aqueous extract of Catharanthus roseus. Overall, the extracts were deemed safe at the tested dose, despite the observed tissue lesions.