Neurobehavioral and Toxicological Evaluation of Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel. Methanolic Leaf Extract in Wistar Rats

Tahir, Albashir; Khaleel Muazu, Ibrahim; Bello, Nura; Idris, Mubarak; Abdullahi, Adamu; Idris Saleh, Yasir; Nasidi, Abbas

doi:https://doi.org/10.61882/rabms.11.4.334

Volume 11, Issue 4 (11-2025) Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences 2025, 11(4): 334-344 | Back to browse issues page

‎ https://doi.org/10.61882/rabms.11.4.334

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Tahir A, Khaleel Muazu I, Bello N, Idris M, Abdullahi A, Idris Saleh Y et al . Neurobehavioral and Toxicological Evaluation of Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel. Methanolic Leaf Extract in Wistar Rats. Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences 2025; 11 (4) :334-344
URL: http://ijrabms.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-458-en.html

Neurobehavioral and Toxicological Evaluation of Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel. Methanolic Leaf Extract in Wistar Rats

Albashir Tahir ^*

, Ibrahim Khaleel Muazu

, Nura Bello

Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi State, Nigeria , albashirtahir@sazu.edu.ng

Abstract: (87 Views)

Background: Guiera senegalensis is widely used in African ethnomedicine for treating neurological and inflammatory disorders, yet its safety and neuropharmacological profile remain incompletely defined.
Objective: This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, neurobehavioral effects, and toxicity profile of the methanolic leaf extract of G. senegalensis in Wistar rats.
Methods: Phytochemical screening was conducted using standard protocols. Acute toxicity was assessed per the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 423 guidelines at 2000 mg/kg, while subacute toxicity involved 28-day oral administration (125–500 mg/kg) with hematological, biochemical, and histopathological evaluations. Neurobehavioral effects were investigated using ketamine-induced psychosis models (open field and Y-maze tests).
Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, and steroids. Acute toxicity testing showed no mortality up to 2000 mg/kg. In the open field test, methanolic leaf extract of G. senegalensis modestly attenuated ketamine-induced hyperlocomotion, with 800 mg/kg exerting the strongest antipsychotic-like effect. In the Y-maze, intermediate doses (200–400 mg/kg) preserved working memory, while 800 mg/kg caused severe cognitive impairment. Subacute administration induced variable hematological and biochemical alterations, including elevated platelet indices, increased Aspartate Aminotransferase, and hyperbilirubinemia at 250–500 mg/kg. Histopathology revealed progressive hepatocellular degeneration and renal tubular necrosis.
Conclusion: Methanolic leaf extract of G. senegalensis exhibits antipsychotic-like and cognition-modulating properties, but produces progressive hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity upon subacute exposure. The most consistent evidence of toxicity was derived from histopathology, whereas hematological and biochemical markers showed non-monotonic responses. These findings suggest a narrow therapeutic margin for the methanolic leaf extract of G. senegalensis and highlight the need for quantitative phytochemical profiling, mechanistic studies, and dose–response bridging to define its pharmacological potential and safety.

Keywords: Antipsychotic, Guiera senegalensis, Hepatotoxicity, Nephrotoxicity, Neurobehavior, Phytochemistry

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Type of Study: orginal article | Subject: Other

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