Toxicological Evaluation and LD₅₀ of Ethanolic Extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Zingiber officinale in Wistar Rats: Effects on Body Weight and Haematology in Indomethacin-Induced Ulceration

Abstract

This study evaluated the acute toxicity, LD₅₀, effects on body weight, and haematological parameters of ethanolic extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Zingiber officinale in Wistar rats. Acute toxicity testing revealed no mortality at doses up to 5000 mg/kg for either extract; only slight weakness was observed in rats receiving 5000 mg/kg of C. odorata, indicating high safety margins (LD₅₀ > 5000 mg/kg). Body weight monitoring over four weeks showed that indomethacin-induced ulcer groups experienced significant reductions in weight gain (p < 0.05), whereas extract-treated groups, particularly the combination extract at 100 mg/kg post-treatment (Group N), maintained body weight comparable to controls (p > 0.05). Haematological analysis demonstrated that ulceration caused significant declines in haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and red blood cell (RBC) counts (p < 0.05), alongside elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts. Pretreatment with C. odorata (100 mg/kg) improved Hb to 11.20 ± 0.20 g/dl and PCV to 33.67 ± 0.66%, while combination extract posttreatment at 100–200 mg/kg maintained Hb (13.30 ± 0.13 g/dl) and PCV (40.00 ± 0.44%) near normal levels and stabilized WBC counts (4.32–5.35 × 10³/mm³; p > 0.05 versus control). Post-treatment with the combination extract also significantly ameliorated haematological disruptions (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that both extracts are acutely safe and exert protective effects against indomethacin-induced haematological and physiological alterations. Moreover, combination therapy at moderate doses exhibited slightly superior efficacy, indicating potential synergistic interactions. Overall, ethanolic extracts of C. odorata and Z. officinale, particularly in combination, may offer a safe and effective prophylactic or therapeutic option for mitigating ulcer-associated haematological disturbances, warranting further studies on chronic safety and underlying molecular mechanisms.