Acute and subchronic toxicity of aqueous extracts of Combretum micranthum (G. Don) and Gardenia sokotensis (Hutch) having ethnobotanical uses in Burkina Faso

Medicinal plants are the major sources of drugs used to treat diseases. Scientific studies were performed on some plants, but few data are available on the medicinal plants used to manage bone diseases in Burkina Faso. This study was conducted to identify medicinal plants used in the treatment of osteoporosis and investigate the acute and subchronic toxicity of Combretum micranthum and Gardenia sokotensis aqueous extracts. A survey was carried out through a structured interview with traditional practitioners. Phytochemical screening was performed using a validated thin-layer chromatographic method. The acute oral toxicity study of extracts was validated at 2000 mg/kg in mice. In the subchronic toxicity, rats were orally administered 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of each extract for 90 days. Results show sixty-one plant species divided into 33 families. C. micranthum and G. sokotensis were most cited. Phytochemical screening of aqueous extracts of plants revealed flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. Acute toxicity study indicated up to 2000 mg/kg of each extract was tolerated without death or any signs of toxicity. In the subchronic toxicity test, physiological, serum biochemistry, and hematology examination, no features suggestive of each extract's toxicity were observed at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. The hepatic balance (aspartate and alanine aminotransferases) was significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. A significant (p < 0.001) decrease in triglyceride and cholesterol levels was observed. To conclude, extracts were non-toxic and could be used for their ethnopharmacological properties, but experimental therapeutic evidence is still needed.