Phytochemical screening and effects of aqueous extracts of Cymbopogon citratus(DC) Staptand Origanum vulgare (LINN) on the biochemical and haematological profileof Wistar strain albino rats

Medicinal plants have played a major role in the field of medicine as alternative therapy to orthodox drugs. This present study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity of Cymbopogon citratus and Origanum vulgare aqueous extracts on albino rats.The qualitative phytochemical analyses of the was done using standard procedures. The LD50 was determined using modified Lorke’s method, while the biochemical and haematological analysis were done by automated methods. Results from phytochemical analysis reveals the presence of Alkaloids, Flavanoids, Phenols and tannins, Steroids and sterols, Carbohydrates, Saponins, Protein and amino acid and Anthraquininein the two extracts. Furthermore, the electrolytes(urea and creatinine) were within the normal range in rats of the control and the orally administered aqueous extracts of Cymbopogon citratus and Origanum vulgare (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg). Total protein, alkaline phosphate, total bilirubin, conjugate bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, albumin and Aspartate aminotransferase were also within the normal range in both control and groups treated with 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg. White blood celland platelet followed same trend of falling within the normal range while Packed cell volume, Haemoglobin values were higher than the normal range across the control and test groups. Aqueous crude extracts ofC. Citratusand O. vulgarecontain primary and secondary metabolites thus with potential medicinal properties as anti-inflammatory, anti- malaria, anti- viral, anti- bacteria and anti-fungal agents. Orally administered aqueous crude extracts C. citratus and O. vulgare (100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg)have no toxicological/pathological effect on wistar strain albino rats and as such, indigenous plants safe for consumption.