Plant-based alcoholic mixtures are widely appreciated by the Ivorian population due to their low cost. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of extractible contained in one of these mixtures («Plaie de ventre») sold for its health claims in the commune of Yopougon (Côte d’Ivoire). A consumption survey was carried out on these alcoholic mixtures using a questionnaire. Subsequently, an acute toxicity study was carried out on the consumers’ favorite drink by administering the dry extractible from this mixture to three batches of rats at doses of 500, 2500 and 5000 mg/kg bw. Animals were observed for 14 days for clinical signs of intoxication, and hematological and biochemical parameters were assayed.
The results of this study revealed that mixture «Plaie de ventre» was the drink preferred by consumers (53.33%). Moreover, administration of the extractible from this mixture revealed no behavioral changes in the rats, and estimated LD50 was greater than 5000 mg/kg bw. In addition, evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in white blood cell count, blood platelet count, and serum ASAT and ALAT levels.
Thus, extractible from mixture «Plaie de ventre» constitute a health risk for consumers.