Comparative acute toxicity effect of the aqueous extract of Ficus ovata vaht on white albino rats.

Lorke's and Arithmetic methods was used to study the acute toxicity effect of aqueous extract from the stem bark of Ficus Ovata Vaht on albino rats. The study involved intraperitoneal (IP) administration of different doses of the extract to groups of albino rats. Sign accompanying toxicity and possible death of animals were monitored to ascertain the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of the extract. At the end of the experiment the median lethal dose value for the two methods were compared. The LD₅₀ for the Lorke's was found to be 288.5 mg/kg compared to the Arithmetic method which is 660 mg/kg. There was a significant difference between the two methods observed. The safety usage of extract from this plant in traditional medicines is discussed.