Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the phytochemical constituents and also to assess the toxicity of the aqueous extract of Boswellia dalzielli stem bark on the liver and kidney of male mice. Healthy male mice weighing between 45 to 50 g were used. The mice were grouped into four different groups, each containing four mice, respectively. Different concentrations (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract of B. dalzielli stem bark were orally administered, respectively according to group, at the interval of 12 h per day, whereas the other group was not given any treatment and this served as the normal control, providing a baseline data. The experiment lasted for two weeks after which the animals were sacrificed by human decapitation. The serum was obtained and used for the analysis of the parameters of hepatic and renal functions, respectively. The results of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, tannins, saponins, balsam, cardiac glycoside, terpenes, steroids, resins, and phenols. All the treatment groups showed an elevated serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and a low serum alanine transaminase (ALT), and ALP was (p < 0.05), indicating possibly a damage to the liver. Also, the treatments showed a low serum urea and a normal creatinine level (p < 0.05). Therefore, it was concluded that the extract had some toxic effects on the liver but had no toxic effect on the kidney of the mice.

Key words: Boswellia dalzielli, phytochemical constituents, toxicity, hepatic and renal functions.