Acute Toxicity Assessment of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Khaya senegalensis in Swiss Albino Mice

Khaya senegalensis, commonly known as African mahogany, is widely used across the savannah belt of Nigeria, including parts of Kebbi and Sokoto States in North West Nigeria, as a treatment for malaria, typhoid, and inflammatory conditions. Despite broad traditional use, formal toxicological assessments of its stem bark extracts are limited. This study evaluates the acute oral toxicity of aqueous stem bark extract of Khaya senegalensis in Swiss albino mice using the Lorke method. Animals were administered graded doses from 10 mg/kg to 5000 mg/kg and observed over 24 hours for clinical signs of toxicity, then monitored for 14 days for mortality and behavioural changes. Body weight, feed intake, and gross pathology at necropsy were documented. Phytochemical screening of the extract confirmed the presence of limonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and terpenoids. No mortality was recorded at doses up to 5000 mg/kg, establishing the LD50 at greater than 5000 mg/kg. Mild sedation and reduced locomotor activity were transiently observed at the 5000 mg/kg dose but resolved within six hours. Necropsy findings showed no organ-level pathology. These outcomes indicate that the aqueous stem bark extract of Khaya senegalensis has a wide margin of safety, supporting further pre-clinical investigations into its pharmacological properties. Keywords: Khaya senegalensis, acute toxicity, Lorke method, Swiss albino mice, stem bark