Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> Background <italic>Dracaena trifasciata</italic> is a widely used ornamental and medicinal plant with reported antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite its extensive ethnomedicinal application, scientific validation of its safety profile—particularly with respect to hepatic toxicity—remains limited. This study evaluated the acute and sub-acute toxicological effects of <italic>D. trifasciata</italic> methanolic leaf extract on liver function in Wistar rats. Methods Acute oral toxicity was evaluated using a limit dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight according to OECD Guideline 423. For the sub-acute study, Wistar rats received daily oral doses of 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg of the extract for 28 consecutive days in accordance with OECD Guideline 407. Serum biochemical markers of liver function (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, total protein, and albumin) and histopathological changes in liver tissue were assessed. Results Acute toxicity testing revealed no mortality or observable adverse clinical signs at oral doses up to 2000 mg/kg. In the 28-day sub-acute study, the 250 mg/kg dose produced no significant alterations in liver biochemical markers or histology. However, higher doses (500 and 1000 mg/kg) resulted in significant (p < 0.05) elevations in serum ALT and AST, alongside significant reductions in total protein and albumin levels. Histopathological analysis confirmed dose-dependent hepatic injury at 500 and 1000 mg/kg, characterized by sinusoidal dilation, cellular degeneration, hepatocellular necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Conclusions <italic>Dracaena trifasciata</italic> methanolic extract is relatively safe at low doses (≤ 250 mg/kg), but prolonged exposure to higher concentrations (500 mg/kg and above) poses significant hepatotoxic risks. Caution and regulated dosing are recommended for its traditional therapeutic use. </p>