Evaluation of the toxicity of Colocasia esculenta (Aracaceae): Preliminary study of leaves infected by Phytophthora colocasiae on wistar albinos rats.

This study was designed to investigate the acute and subacute toxicity of the aqueous extract from colocasia esculenta (CE) leaves infected by Phytophthora colocsiae (PC) in rats. Toxicity of the aqueous extract was evaluated in both male and female wistar rats after a single administration (Acute model) and during 21 days (subacute model). Acute administration of the extract up to a dose 4000 mg/kg did not induce treatment related signs of toxicity or mortality of any rat tested. Therefore, LD was estimated to be more than 4000 mg/kg. In the subacute treatment, 3 days before the end of treatment, the male rats treated with the infected Colocasia esculenta leaves extract at doses of 800 mg/kg presented some signs of toxicity such as spiky hair, breathing, paralysis and death. Hematological analysis revealed a significant decrease (p < .05) of platelets for all doses in female rats. Biochemical investigations revealed a significant (p < .01) increase in the serum AST and HDL cholesterol at dose of 800 mg/kg in male rats. A significant decrease (p < .05) in the level of tissue creatinine at a dose of 800 mg/kg in treated female rats has also been observed. Histopathological examination revealed adverse effects on the lungs in male rats at dose of 800 mg/kg. The present findings suggest that CE infected by PC would be no major health risks at the doses tested but could affect their health at higher doses and repeated administration.