Acute and sub-chronic toxicological evaluation of Averrhoa carambola leaves in Sprague Dawley rats

Averrhoa carambola is a species of tree native to tropical Southeast Asia. It possesses antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemia effects and has traditionally been used to treat a variety of ailments. However, the presence of oxalic acid in its fruits might restrict its consumption by individuals suffering from kidney disease, and caramboxin can cause neurotoxicity. In this study, we evaluated the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the methanolic extract of A. carambola leaves (MEAC) in male and female rats. In the acute study, female rats were given a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg of MEAC and closely examined for distinct indications of toxic effects during the first 4 h, periodically for 48 h, and daily thereafter for 14 days. Rats of both sexes were employed in the sub-chronic investigation for the 28-day repeated dose oral toxicity study. Results of the acute study revealed the safety of MEAC up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg where the rats did not show changes or signs of toxicity. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, MEAC (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) administration did not affect the body weight, food, and water consumption, motor coordination, behavior, or mental alertness in the treated rats. In addition, no variations in hematological or biochemical markers were found in MEAC-treated rats. In conclusion, these findings pinpoint the safety of MEAC at doses up to 5000 mg/kg. The leaves of A. carambola could be safely consumed by people with kidney disease to treat other ailments.