Abstract
The study examined the potential impact of the methanolic extract derived from the leaves of
Acalypha wilkesiana on the body weight of Wistar rats. A calculated quantity of the methanolic
leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana was dissolved in distilled water from the stock solution to
create doses of 500, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight of paracetamol, vitamin C, and the leaf
extract, respectively, which were then administered to the different groups (A, B, C, and D).
Before the administration of the methanolic leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana at intervals of
seven days, the body weights of the subjects were recorded. The acute administration of the
aqueous leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana did not produce any noticeable morphological
changes or fatalities in male rats throughout the duration of the experiment. A statistically
significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in the average body weight of the animals that
received the extract compared to those treated with paracetamol. Additionally, the organ weight
analysis revealed no significant differences (P<0.05) in the kidney, brain, heart, lung, and
pancreas, with the exception of the liver, which exhibited an increase in weight in the rats
treated with the extract compared to those treated with paracetamol. The findings indicate that
the extract influenced liver weight and is therefore not hepatoprotective; further investigation is
warranted before recommending oral administration of this extract.