TITLE:
Toxicological Evaluation and Hypoglycemic Effects of Solanum aethiopicum Fruit Extracts in Wistar Rats
AUTHORS:
Maguy Luvandu Mbenza, Olivier Nzingula Phasi, Guelord Inkalaba Kasasuka, Nicole Misengabu Mbuyamba, Armelle Naniwambote Lubadika, Bobo Luntadila, Désiré Musuyu Muganza, André Muzembo Basilua, Georges Mabiala Mambu, Fridolin Kodondi Kule-Koto
KEYWORDS:
Solanum Aethiopicum, Hypoglycemic Activity, LD50, Biochemical Parameters
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.10,
October
30,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Dietary strategies for diabetes management traditionally prioritize foods with low or moderate glycemic indices to attenuate postprandial glucose excursions. Nevertheless, glycemic responses remain highly variable, prompting growing interest in bitter-tasting foods and their bioactive constituents as potential dietary interventions for improving glycemic control and metabolic outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity and hypoglycemic activity of Solanum aethiopicum fruits consumed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Materials and Methods: An experimental randomized study was conducted using Wistar rats. Animals were allocated into six groups for LD50 determination and five groups for the evaluation of hypoglycemic activity. The hypoglycemic potential of Solanum aethiopicum was assessed using the oral glucose-induced hyperglycemia method. LD50 and serum biochemical parameters, including urea, creatinine, AST, ALT were determined using standard analytical methods. Results: The median LD50 of Solanum aethiopicum extracts exceeded the highest dose administered in this study (5000 mg/kg body weight), suggesting a low toxicity profile. Mean blood glucose levels varied significantly over the experimental period (0 - 180 min), p Solanum aethiopicum extracts and glibenclamide (p Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that Solanum aethiopicum fruits are non-toxic and do not possess direct hypoglycemic activity.