SUB-ACUTE TOXICITY ASSESSMENT OF PERICOPSIS LAXIFLORA METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT ON LIPID PROFILE IN WISTAR RATS

Sub-acute toxicity refers to the adverse effects of a substance following repeated or continuous exposure over a short period, typically ranging from 14 to 28 days. It serves as a crucial step in toxicological evaluation between acute and chronic toxicity studies. Sub-acute studies are designed to identify target organs, observe dose-response relationships, and determine the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of test substances. These studies help predict potential health risks associated with repeated exposure, whether in pharmaceuticals, herbal remedies, food additives, or industrial chemicals (OECD, 2008). The duration and frequency of administration mimic real-world usage patterns, making sub-acute toxicity testing essential for assessing safety before advancing to long-term studies or clinical trials. In laboratory animals, sub-acute toxicity assessments typically involve daily oral, dermal, or inhalation exposure to a substance at various doses, followed by evaluations of clinical signs, body weight, hematological and biochemical parameters, and histopathological examination of organs. Particular attention is paid to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart, and spleen, as they are often the primary sites of toxicity. Changes in liver enzymes like ALT, AST, and ALP, or alterations in renal markers such as urea and creatinine, provide insight into organ-specific toxicities. For herbal extracts and phytochemicals, sub-acute toxicity studies are especially critical, as the presence of bioactive compounds can exert both therapeutic and toxic effects depending on the dose and duration of exposure (Mukinda & Syce, 2007). Thus, sub-acute toxicity testing provides foundational data for determining safe dosage ranges and informing further pharmacological development.