Toxicity Evaluation of Cucurbita maxima. Seed Extract in Mice

Abstract

Pumpkin seeds of Cucurbita maxima. Duch. (Cucurbitaceae) are frequently used for stomach pain, as an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic, and for the treatment of worms. This study was carried out to determine the possible acute and subacute toxicity effect of the hydroalcohol extract from seeds of C. maxima. after oral administration to mice and to identify the target organs of its possible toxic effects. The results showed that its average lethal dose (DL50) is higher than 5000 mg/kg and subacute treatment shows increases in body weight. The levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the hematological parameters did not show any alterations. The results suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract from C. maxima. seeds, at a dose of 5000 mg/kg, presents a considerable safety margin, being devoid of acute toxicity.