Sub-acute Oral Toxicity Evaluation of Philippine Bignay (Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng cv. ‘Kalabaw’) Fruit in ICR Mice

Abstract

This study evaluated the safety of Bignay (Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng cv. ‘Kalabaw’) fruits through a sub-acute oral toxicity test in male and female ICR mice. The evaluation was done through oral gavage of the aqueous fruit sample at 2,000 mg kg-1 body weight dose for 28 d. Results showed that there were no significant changes in feed and water intake of male and female ICR mice as compared to the control groups that received distilled water (p < 0.05). Blood chemistry and hematology values for all mice groups were comparable to the controls and published values. All mice groups also had appreciable body weight gain (10.89% – 21.69%) with zero morbidity and mortality. Lastly, the gross and microscopic examination of the brain, heart, lungs, GI tract, liver, spleen, and kidneys showed normal architecture and histology, suggesting that the fruits did not induce any morphological abnormalities. Results showed that Bignay (cv. ‘Kalabaw’) fruits are safe for consumption with an LD50 of greater than 2,000 mg kg-1 body weight.