Microscopic and toxicity studies on the leaves of Jatropha tanjorensis

Acute, sub acute toxicity and microscopy of the leaves of Jatropha tanjorensis were studied. The microscopic examination of the upper, lower surfaces and that of the powdered samples of the leaves showed the following diagnostic features: Polygonal epidermal cells, anticlinal wavy walls anomocytic stomata, annular xylem vessels, clusters of calcium oxalate crystals, elongated parenchyma, fibres, biserate trichomes and vascular tissues. The acute and sub acute toxicity studies of J. tanjorensis leaf extract were evaluated in rats. Sub acute study entailed rats being administered with the extract at dose levels of 2 and 4 g/kg for 28 days after which the rats were sacrificed and the liver, kidney, testes and the spleen were excised. Tissue morphology of these organs were assesed. Serum was evaluated for cholesterol, triglyceride, protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) while the liver homogenate was evaluated for LDH and liver protein. During the acute toxicity study, no significant adverse effect was observed in all the rats even at the highest dose of 8 g/kg administered orally. The biochemical examination showed that serum triglyceride, cholesterol, protein, LDH, liver protein and liver LDH at 2 and 4 g/kg were comparable to the controls while the histopathological examinations revealed no significant abnormalities in the spleen, testes and kidneys, however, it showed that there was a mild significant effects on lungs and liver. In conclusion, the results showed that oral administration of J. tanjorensis leaf extracts is safe acutely but should be used with caution for a long period.