Studies on the anti-inflammatory and toxic effects of the stem bark of Khaya ivorensis (Meliaceae) on rats.

Khaya ivorensis A. Chev. (Meliaceae) is a common feature in anti-malarial recipe prescribed by African traditional medical practitioners. Investigations have proved that Khaya species possesses some level of anti-plasmodial activity. Anti-inflammatory and toxicity studies were carried out on this plant using the Ugo Basile model 7140 and routine toxicity study methods, respectively, on adult wistar rats. The brain, spleen, heart, liver and kidneys were examined for dismorphological features, following oral administration of the ethanolic extract of K. ivorensis at the daily dose levels of 1000, 500 or 125 mg/kg for 7, 14 and 7 days after cessation of drug administration. The study showed that tissue toxicity, especially neurotoxicity was dose dependent, similarly the anti-inflammatory effect. The toxicity appeared to be reversible at lower doses. The wide margin between the therapeutic and toxic dosages makes the extract a possible safe drug in the management of malaria.