The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity (28 days) of the ethanol extract of Z. zerumbet rhizomes\r\n(EEZZ) via the oral route in Wistar rats of both sexes. In the acute toxicity study, Wistar rats were administered a single dose of\r\n15 g kg-1 of body weight by gavage, and were monitored for 14 days. EEZZ did not produce any toxic signs or deaths; the 50%\r\nlethal dose must be higher than 15 g kg-1. In the subchronic toxicity study, EEZZ was administered by gavage at doses of 1000,\r\n2000 and 3000 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks toWistar rats. The subacute treatment with EEZZ did not alter either the body weight gain\r\nor the food and water consumption. The hematological and biochemical analysis did not show significant differences in any of the\r\nparameters examined in female or male groups. Necropsy and histopathological examination, did not reveal any remarkable and\r\ntreatment related changes. A no-observed adverse-effect level for EEZZ is 3000 mg kg-1 for rats under the conditions of this study.\r\nHence, consumption of EEZZ for various medicinal purposes is safe.
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