Phytochemical Composition and Toxicological Profiling of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) Root Extract in Rats

• Published in: International journal of biochemistry research & review 2024-01, Vol.33 (1), p.1-12
• Main Authors: John, Ohiagu Chukwuemeka, Kalu, Achi Ngozi, Christopher, Ohaeri Obioma, Amarachi, Osuji Chigozirim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2231-086X; 2231-086X
• DOI: 10.9734/ijbcrr/2024/v33i1847

Background: Curcuma longa Linn (turmeric) is a common medicinal plant used in Africa for the treatment of diseases. In this study, its extract was evaluated to ascertain its phytochemical composition and toxicity in wistar rats. Methods: The prepared rhizome ethanol extract was first subjected to preliminary phytochemical evaluation and then lethal dose (LD50) test. In the sub-acute toxicity test, 20 adult wistar rats assigned to 4 groups of 5 rats each were administered oral graded doses of the extract. Group 1 served as control while groups 2, 3 and 4 received 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the extract over a period of 28 days, after which blood samples were collected for haematological and serum biochemical analyses. Results: Results obtained from the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and alkaloids in extract, with alkaloids being most abundant (41.20+0.53 mg/100g)  and terpenoids, the least (3.98+0.03 mg/100g). Lethal dose value for the extract was found to be >5000mg/kg body weight. Results of sub-acute toxicity evaluation of the extract showed no deleterious effect on liver and kidney function parameters with these parameters being not significantly different from their control values (p