Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Toxicology | Volume 4 Issue 2 | Pages: 11-21 | Doi : 10.37446/jet/rsa/4.2.2026.11-21

Research Article

OPEN ACCESS | Published on : 29-Jul-2026

Multi-organ assessment of Tamarindus indica Linn., seed extracts in albino rats

• Shok Blessing Zataat
• Drug Development Division National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Agwu Eunice Ogeyi
• Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Biser Retyitnan
• Drug Development Division National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Choji Naomi
• Drug Development Division National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Yohanna Manfred
• Drug Development Division National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Salim Kabiru
• Drug Development Division National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Barnabas Yakubu
• Drug Development Division National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Micah Makoshi Shehu
• Drug Development Division National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Barde Israel Joshua
• Drug Development Division National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Ishaku Leo Elisha
• Drug Development Division National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Tamarindus indica seeds are widely used in traditional medicine, but their systemic safety remains inadequately characterized. This study evaluated the 28-day sub-acute toxicological and therapeutic effects of aqueous and ethanolic T. indica seed extracts in Wistar albino rats.

Materials and methods: Following phytochemical screening and acute toxicity testing (Lorke's method), 70 rats received oral aqueous or ethanolic extracts (150, 350, or 600 mg/kg) daily for 28 days. Haematological, biochemical (hepatic, renal, lipid, and oxidative stress), and histopathological assessments were performed.

Results: Both extracts exhibited high acute safety (LD₅₀ > 5000 mg/kg). The aqueous extract showed a favourable safety profile, preserving liver and kidney architecture while significantly reducing triglycerides and increasing high-density lipoprotein HDL levels. In contrast, the ethanolic extract enhanced intestinal superoxide dismutase activity but caused dose-dependent hepatic necrosis, renal damage, and reduced haemoglobin synthesis. High doses (350 and 600 mg/kg) of both extracts produced cardiotoxic effects characterized by myocardial necrosis.

Conclusion: T. indica seed extracts possess solvent-dependent therapeutic potential but demonstrate narrow therapeutic windows. Their dose-dependent organ toxicity, particularly cardiotoxicity at higher doses, highlights the need for careful dose optimization and comprehensive safety evaluation before clinical application.

Keywords

Tamarindus indica seeds, multi-organ toxicity, ethnopharmacology, hypolipidemic activity, cardiotoxicity, oxidative stress

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