Phytochemistry and Toxicity Studies on Aqueous Extracts of Leaf and Stem of Mistletoe (Viscum album) in Albino Rats

Phytochemistry and acute toxicity studies on the aqueous extracts of leaves and stem of mistletoe (Viscum album) in albino rats was carried out. Phytochemical screening of leaves and stem of Viscum album from Azadirachta indica, Acacia albida and Psidium guajava trees revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, combined anthraquinones, reducing sugars and combined sugars. Saponins had the highest scores (+++) in all the extracts followed by phenols and carbohydrates with moderate scores (++), while lower concentrations (+) was observed for reducing and combined sugars. The calculated median lethal dose (LD50) values following the intraperitoneal administration of graded doses of these extracts in albino rats were 1440mg/kg/bw and 600mg/kg/bw for A. albida leaf and stem; 2400mg/kg/bw each for A. albida leaf and stem, and 2400mg/kg/bw and 2880mg/kg/bw for P. guajava leaf and stem aqueous extracts respectively. The clinical signs associated with acute toxicity testing using graded doses of Viscum album aqueous extracts administered to albino rats were arched back, bulging eyes, weakness, depression, unsteady movement, lack of apetite, dizziness, dyspnoea, sleep, coma and death