Toxicological Evaluation of Dieffenbachia Seguin (Jacq.) Schott (Dumb Cane) on Wister Albino Rats

The present study evaluated the toxicological effect of ethanol leaf extract of Dieffenbachia Seguin Schott. Through acute oral toxicity test on wister albino rats. The plant species commonly called Dumb cane is a well known plant in Nigeria, used extensively for ornamental purposes in houses and business areas. It is a poisonous and toxic plant, in the family Araceae. Single oral doses of the leaf extract at the concentrations of 0, 4000, 6000, and 8000mg/kg/day was administered to albino rats to determine the acute toxic effects and the median lethal dose (LD50) in rats. For hematological study, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture and analyzed. The kidney, liver, and heart organs were collected, sectioned and viewed under the microscope for histological study. The results revealed no significant changes in the control group but in the treatment groups, several changes such as fast and labored breathing, blurred vision and death were observed. Hematological study showed reduced blood level in the treatment group. Morphological observation of the organs including the liver showed alteration and paled coloration compared to the control group. Histopathological examination showed distorted, congested and focal necrosis of the liver and renal tubules. The results obtained suggested that the LD50 of the ethanol leaf extract of D. Seguin is slightly higher than 8000mg/kg. It is recommended that further studies aimed at corroborating these observations be carried out.

Keywords: Dieffenbachia Seguin, Ethanol leaf extract, acute oral Toxicity, Araceae, Albino Rats.