The study was conducted to test the toxicity level of physic nut (Jatropha curcas) leaf extract when given in vivo to animals using the chorio-allantoic membrane (CAM) of chick embryos.

The study was laid out following the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with the following treatments: T1 (Control), T2 (Sodium lauryl sulfate), T1 (50% physic nut extract), T4 (75% physic nut extract) and T4 (100% physic nut extract). There were five replications per treatment.

The treatment means of T1 (Control), T2 (Sodium lauryl sulfate), T3 (50% physic nut extract), T475% physic nut extract) and T1 (100% physic nut extract) were 0.00, 1.20, 3.60, 3 20 and 4.80 respectively in relation to the vascular score description observed on the chorio-allantoic membranes (CAM) of the chick embryos. T5 100% physic nut extract) had the highest treatment mean which was comparable with T350% physic nut extract). On the other hand, T3 50% Physic nut extract) was comparable with T4 75% physic nut extract). T1 and T2 (sodium lauryl sulfate) were comparable with each other but were statistically different from T475% physic nut extract), T3 (50% physic nut extract) and T5 (100% physic nut extract).

On the other hand, the treatment means of T₁ (Control), T2 (Sodium lauryl sulfate), T3 (50% Physic nut extract), T4 (75% physic nut extract) and Ts (100% physic nut extract) were 1.22, 0.91, 1.22, 1.22 and 0.91 respectively relative to the number of chick embryos that were alive and dead. Statistical analysis revealed insignificant differences among the treatment means.

Thesis (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.