Acute Oral Toxicity Assessment of Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) Leaves in Experimental Mice

Abstract

Noni leaves (Morinda citrifolia L.) have been widely utilized in Indonesia as a traditional remedy. This in vivo study aimed to assess the acute oral toxicity of the ethanol extract of M. citrifolia in male BALB/c mice. The subjects were divided into five dosage groups: 5 mg/kg body weight (Group A), 50 mg/kg body weight (Group B), 300 mg/kg body weight (Group C), 2000 mg/kg body weight (Group D), and 5000 mg/kg body weight (Group E), alongside a control group (Group F). The extract was administered orally, and toxicological effects were monitored over 14 days, including behavioral changes, toxic symptoms, mortality, food and water intake, and changes in body and organ weights. No mortality was observed, and the estimated LD50 of M. citrifolia extract was above 5000 mg/kg body weight. However, excessive urination was noted in Groups B, C, D, and E, and hypoactivity (sedative effect) was observed in Groups D and E. Body and organ weights tended to increase post-intervention. Histopathological analysis of the liver showed ballooning and inflammation. These findings suggest that the ethanol extract of M. citrifolia L., when administered orally, is relatively non-toxic.