Abstract:
The trusted efficacy of Paullinia pinnata (Sapindaceae) that has made many people to patronize it despite the absence of toxicity studies emerges from its long history of use in Ghana. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicity effects of P. pinnata roots on biochemical and haematological indices in rats. The dried Paullinia roots after milling was macerated in 70% ethanol and concentrated to obtain the semi-solid extract. For the acute toxicity study, rats were exposed to dose levels of 2,000, 2,500, 3,000, and 5,000 mg/kg p.o. and monitored for 48–72 hours. Dose levels of 375, 750, and 850 mg/kg were used for the sub-acute toxicity studies. The results of haematological and biochemical parameters in the present study showed that the root extract of P. pinnata is potentially safe for oral consumption up to dose of 850 mg/kg
