Abstract

The seed coat of Tamarindus indica, though widely recognized for its pharmacological potential, remains insufficiently characterized in terms of toxicological safety. This study aimed to evaluate the acute oral toxicity of its methanolic extract (METS) and water soluble fraction (WFTS) in rats in accordance with OECD Guidelines 420 and 425, respectively. Administration of METS at a limit dose of 5000 mg/kg did not result in mortality or significant toxicological effects, with only transient clinical signs observed. Normal body weight progression and the absence of gross pathological abnormalities further supported its favorable safety profile. In contrast, WFTS exhibited dose-dependent toxicity, with mortality observed at 5000 mg/kg and 4100 mg/kg, accompanied by diarrhoea and pronounced pathological alterations, including gastric mucosal erosion and visceral congestion. The median lethal dose (LD50) of WFTS was estimated to be 4100 mg/kg. Collectively, these findings indicate that while METS is relatively safe at high doses, WFTS demonstrates appreciable acute toxicity following oral exposure at and above 4100 mg/kg dose level in rats.

Keywords : Tamarindus indica, OECD, oral toxicity