Toxicity study of Warbugia ugandensis used by traditional healers to treat Herpes zoster in HIV patients using Drosophila melanogaster as a model

Abstract

Objectives: To carryout toxicity study of Warbugia ugandensis, also to participate in the compilation of ethnopharmacological knowledge of Rukararwe and makes it available for future research, and also to avail the healers with the information on scientific literature. Methods: Different concentrations of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Warbugia ugandensis with or without food were fed on Drosophila melanogaster and acute toxicity, locomotion assay, longevity study of the flies was done in 3 replicates, together with preliminary phytochemical screening of different extracts. Results: Traditional healers mostly used oral formulation (80%), herbs for treating herpes zoster (40%); Steroids, Terpenoids and Glycosides were present in all extracts of W. ugandensis. Extracts of W. ugandensis were not toxic at acute exposure, ethanol extract of W. ugandensis decreased negative geotaxis (P<0.01) and aqueous extract also (P<0.05). Finally longevity study has shown toxicity of ethanolic extract of W. ugandensis at concentration of 1% and 2%. Conclusion: The herb appears to be non toxic at acute exposure and toxic (ethanolic extract) at higher dose on chronic exposure.