Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY AND ACUTE TOXICITY EVALUATION OF THE TOTAL AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF CUCURBITA MAXIMA (CUCURBITACEAE) LEAVES IN MICE

GOH Bi Lané Adrien*, DJIKE Kouehiouon justin Anderson-Bel, Nanti Gooré Guy Charles Golé, Zahoui Ouga Stanislas, Néné Bi Semi Anthelme

ABSTRACT

In developing countries, the use of plants for therapeutic purposes by local populations remains largely empirical. This study aims to evaluate the acute toxicity of an aqueous extract of Cucurbita maxima (Cucurbitaceae) leaves. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed, alongside acute toxicity assessments via oral gavage and intraperitoneal injection. The oral acute toxicity test was conducted on female mice (mean weight 17–19 g) divided into six groups of three; they received aqueous extract doses ranging from 300 to 5000 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). Acute toxicity via the intraperitoneal route was evaluated using five test groups of five mice each, with doses ranging from 300 to 400 mg/kg b.w. Our results indicate that the aqueous extract of Cucurbita maxima leaves contains alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and saponins, but lacks quinones, sterols, polyterpenes, and both catechin and gallic tannins. The aqueous extract is non-toxic when administered orally, with an LD50 exceeding 5000 mg/kg b.w. Conversely, it is highly toxic via the intraperitoneal route, with an LD50 between 5 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg b.w. This plant, commonly used in traditional medicine, warrants cautious use.

Keywords: Traditional medicine, Cucurbita maxima, Acute toxicity, LD50.