Studies on the ethnopharmacology, antimicrobial activity, and toxicity of (Vahl.) Endl., in rats.

The Mbeere South community of Embu County consume leaves of for its stimulant and euphoretic actions. Other indigenous uses of the plant are undocumented. Information on the pharmacology and safety of this plant is also scanty. This study aimed to document the ethnopharmacology, antimicrobial properties, and toxicity of leaves collected from the Mbeere South community in Kenya. Ethnopharmacological data was collected from 35 informants using semi-structured questionnaires. Leaf extracts of were prepared using acetone, water, and methanol. The antimicrobial properties of these extracts were evaluated against and . The toxicity of the aqueous extract was determined using hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters in male and female rats at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg doses over 28 days. was considered significant. All informants were male, most were married, >50 years old, with >10 years of experience. The sources, local names, preparation, storage conditions, indications, frequency of use, dosage, and side effects of were documented. All extracts were ineffective against , and They had limited efficacy against and Significant differences were observed in the hematological and biochemical parameters of rats at the tested doses. Low, intermediate, and high doses of the aqueous extract of produced local congestion of the cardiac and hepatic vessels. Localized interstitial connective tissue proliferation, multifocal kidney interstitial hemorrhage, and localized tubular epithelium necrosis were also observed in female rats. The ethnobotanical uses of among the Mbeere South community were documented for the first time. Limited antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity at high doses limit the use of leaves of .