Organ Weight Changes Research Articles

Toxicological evaluation of the lyophilized fruit juice extract of Annona muricata Linn. (Annonaceae) in rodents.

Abstract Background: Annona muricata Linn. (Annonaceae) (AM) fruit juice is widely consumed either raw or after processing in tropical countries because of its very juicy, creamy and sweet character including its medicinal importance. The safety of AM fruit was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats for acute and 60-day subchronic toxicity effects. Methods: Rats were administered distilled water (DW) and AM daily at doses of 80, 400 and 2000 mg/kg orally for 60 days. At the end of the study, blood samples were assayed for biochemical and hematological parameters. Vital organs were harvested and assessed for antioxidants and histopathology. Results: There was no mortality recorded up to 2000 mg/kg following acute administration. There were no significant changes in vital organ weights and hematological and biochemical parameters. However, significant (p<0.05) reduction in platelet count and packed cell volume was observed at 2000 and 400 mg/kg, respectively, which was reversed after cessation of treatment. Interestingly, subchronic oral administration of AM (80, 400 or 2000 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.001) increased sperm count and motility in comparison to vehicle-treated control. AM long-term treatment induced significant (p<0.05, <0.01 and <0.001) increases in the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, respectively, in the liver and kidney. Conversely, AM (2000 mg/kg) produced significant (p<0.001) increase in malondialdehyde level with decreased (p<0.05) SOD activity in the brain. Conclusions: The study established that AM did not induce any significant toxic effect, indicating that it is safe in rats following oral administration for 60 consecutive days.

Low-dose effects of bisphenol A on early sexual development in male and female rats

Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely detected in human urine and blood. BPA has been reported to impair many endpoints for reproductive and neurological development; however, it is controversial whether BPA has effects in the microgram per kilogram dose range. The aim of the current study was to examine the influence of BPA on early sexual development in male and female rats at dose levels covering both regulatory no observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs) (5 and 50 mg/kg bw per day) as well as doses in the microgram per kilogram dose range (0.025 and 0.25 mg/kg bw per day). Time-mated Wistar rats (n=22) were gavaged during pregnancy and lactation from gestation day 7 to pup day 22 with 0, 0.025, 0.25, 5 or 50 mg/kg bw per day BPA. From 0.250 mg/kg and above, male anogenital distance (AGD) was significantly decreased, whereas decreased female AGD was seen from 0.025 mg/kg bw per day and above. Moreover, the incidence of nipple retention in males appeared to increase dose relatedly and the increase was statistically significant at 50 mg/kg per day. No significant changes in reproductive organ weights in the 16-day-old males and females and no signs of maternal toxicity were seen. The decreased AGD at birth in both sexes indicates effects on prenatal sexual development and provides new evidence of low-dose adverse effects of BPA in rats in the microgram per kilogram dose range. The NOAEL in this study is clearly below 5 mg/kg for BPA, which is used as the basis for establishment of the current tolerable daily intake (TDI) by EFSA; thus a reconsideration of the current TDI of BPA appears warranted.

A study on natural dye having the effects on the atopic dermatitis — Juniperus chinensis heartwood extract —

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Juniperus Chinensis heartwood has been known to have an excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. This study examined the potential of the methanol extract of the Juniperus Chinensis heartwood as a natural dye with an efficacy for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. In an attempt to examine the effect of the Juniperus Chinensis heartwood extract, a skin lesion such as that of AD was induced in the NC/Nga AD mice model by topical administration. DNCB (2.4-dinitrochlorobenzene) was used to induce such AD-like skin lesions. The efficacy of the Juniperus Chinensis heartwood extract in the NC/Nga mice model was assessed by severity of skin lesion (NC mouse score), change in organ weight, serum IgE level, change in epidermal thickness, and mast cell count. The Juniperus Chinensis heartwood extract improved such skin lesions in these NC/Nga mice, and decreased spleen weight and serum IgE level. The results of histopathologic examination revealed that the treatment with the Juniperus Chinensis heartwood extract decreased epidermal thickness and mast cell count. In conclusion, the suppressive effect of local administration of the Juniperus Chinensis heartwood extract verified its potential for application as a natural dye with an efficacy of treatment for atopic dermatitis.

Acute and subacute toxicity studies of Pluronic P85/poly (lactic acid) nanoparticles in mice

The objective of the present reported study was to evaluate the oral toxicity of poly (lactic acid)-b-Pluronic-b-poly (lactic acid) (PLA-P85-PLA) nanoparticles (NPs) so as to demonstrate their applicability for drug delivery applications. In acute oral toxicity studies, the animals were fed with 0.4 ml PLA-P85-PLA NPs solution in different concentrations (low concentration: 20 mg/l, intermediate concentration: 100 mg/l and higher concentration: 500 mg/l) for 14 days; no deaths or treatment related complications were observed even in the higher concentration treatment. In case of the subacute oral toxicity test, the NPs were administered orally to mice for a period of 28 days. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. For histopathological analysis, organs of the animals were weighed and processed. All the animals survived during the study, with no significant changes in clinical signs, body weight, feed consumption, biochemistry parameters, organ weights and histopathological findings. These results demonstrate that PLA-P85-PLA NPs produced no treatment related toxicity in mice following oral administration, thus, they can be exploited for potential therapeutic applications.

30 kGy 감마선 조사된 닭갈비의 안전성 평가

본 연구에서는 닭갈비의 우주식품으로서 안전성을 확보하기 위하여 30 kGy 조사된 닭갈비를 ICR 마우스에 3개월간 섭취시킨 다음 안전성평가를 수행하였다. 비조사 시료 및 30 kGy 조사 닭갈비를 암수 마우스에 투여를 한 결과 시험기간 동안 시험물질에 의한 임상증상이나 폐사 동물이 나타나지 않았으며, 체중변화, 사료섭취량 및 주요 장기무게도 대조군과 차이를 보이지 않았다. 혈액학적 검사 및 혈청학적 검사 모두 정상적인 수치를 나타내었다. 병리조직학적 검사 역시 간 및 신장 모두 정상적인 구조를 유지하고 있었으며 염증, 괴사 등의 유의할만한 병적 변화도 관찰되지 않았다. 따라서 30 kGy로 감마선 조사된 닭갈비는 암수 마우스에 3개월간 섭취시켜도 본 시험조건에서는 독성이 없는 것으로 판명되었다.

Toxicity of Danshen Injection in Beagle's Dogs by Repeated iv Injection

ObjectiveTo re-evaluate the potential toxicity of Danshen Injection (DI) in Beagle's dogs by repeated iv injection. MethodsDI was iv given to the dogs at the doses of 0, 1.6, 5.4, and 16.0 g/(kg·d) (4 per sex per group) for 13 weeks. During the test period, the clinical signs, mortality, body weights, food consumption, rectal temperature, ophthalmoscopy, electrocardiography, urinalysis, hematology, serum biochemistry, organ weights, gross findings, and histopathology were examined. ResultsDogs iv given with DI at the doses of 0, 1.6, 5.4, and 16.0 g/(kg·d) for 13 weeks had no drug-related changes in mortality, body weight, food consumption, temperature, electrocardiography, ophthalmoscopy, urinalysis parameters, and organ weights. The hematological parameter data showed a significant decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin concentration in the high-dose group and a significant increase in activated partial thromboplastin time suggesting an effect on haemopoiesis. For biochemical parameters, a significant decrease in glucose and a significant increase in total bilirubin were observed in the high-dose group, and the latter was considered to be toxicologically insignificant as lack of histopathological correlate. However, the histopathological examinations of the injection site showed that DI could cause dose-dependent focal inflammation. ConclusionThat the iv injection with DI into dogs at 16 g/(kg·d) for 13 weeks could cause the decreases in red blood cell parameters and glucose, as well as the lesions of the injection site. The no observed adverse effect level is 5.4 g/(kg·d), which suggests that safe clinical dosing be possible.

Establishment of a new murine model of liver abscess induced by Fusobacterium necrophorum injected into the caudal vein

Anaerobic bacterial infection is often accompanied by abscess formation; however, few in vivo studies have been published with descriptive data specifically evaluating antimicrobial activity in the presence of abscesses. The aim of this study was to establish a murine model of anaerobic infection with abscess formation and to verify the utility of this model for evaluating the in vivo efficacy of an antimicrobial agent. A clinical isolate of Fusobacterium necrophorum was inoculated into the caudal vein of immunocompetent BALB/c mice at 10(8) c.f.u. per mouse. Changes in body weight, bacterial load and histopathology of key organs were evaluated. After inoculation, bacterial counts in the liver increased from 10(4) to 10(8) c.f.u. after 1-3 days, and liver abscess formation was observed on the day following infection. Abscess formation and bacterial growth were not observed in other organs. In this model, 3 days of treatment with 5 mg metronidazole kg(-1) eradicated F. necrophorum in the liver; however, a reduction in bacterial load was not observed with 0.05 mg metronidazole kg(-1). In this study, we established a novel murine model of F. necrophorum liver abscess via haematogenous infection that may be useful for investigating in vivo antimicrobial activity against anaerobic abscesses and understanding the pathogenesis of F. necrophorum infection.

Carcinogenicity and Chronic Rodent Toxicity of the Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulator Ulipristal Acetate

Carcinogenic properties of ulipristal acetate (UPA), a selective progesterone receptor modulator developed for the treatment of benign gynecological conditions such as uterine fibroids, were assessed in a 26-week carcinogenicity study in transgenic TgRasH2 mice and a 104-week study in Sprague Dawley rats. Dose levels used in the mouse study were 15, 45, or 130 mg/kg/day and for the ratstudy the doses used were 1, 3, or 10 mg/kg/day. Vehicle and water controls were part of both studies and a positive control, N-Nitroso-N-methylurea intraperitoneally, was included in the transgenic mouse assay. Survival at all dose levels was similar to vehicle controls in both sexes of both species and there was no evidence of any UPA-induced carcinogenicity in either species. Rats receiving UPA had decreased incidences of fibroadenomas and adenocarcinomas in the mammary gland in all treated groups. UPA exposure [AUC(0-24h)] at the highest dose in rats was 67 times human therapeutic exposure at 10 mg/day. In mice, no tumor of any type increased at UPA exposures up to 313 times of therapeutic exposure. UPA-related findings in mice were limited to organ weight changes in the liver, pituitary, thyroid/parathyroid glands, and epididymis as well as minimal panlobular hepatocellular hypertrophy in male and female mice receiving 130 mg/kg/day. Rats had UPA-related non-neoplastic findings in the reproductive system (mammary gland, ovary, uterus, vagina, seminal vesicle, prostate), endocrine system (adrenal, pituitary), thymus, muscle, liver, pancreas and lungs most of which are considered to be due to exaggerated pharmacological action of the compound.

30 kGy 감마선 조사된 초코아이스크림의 안전성 평가

This study was investigated the potential toxicity of gamma-irradiated chocolate ice cream for its future use in space. Chocolate ice cream was irradiated at a dose of 30 kGy at a temperature of . For the animal study, AIN-93G was used as a control diet and irradiated and non-irradiated chocolate ice cream diets were administered to male and female ICR mice (ten mice per group) for three months. During the experimental period, the group fed irradiated chocolate ice cream did not show any changes in appearance, behavior, mortality, body weight, organ weight, or food consumption compared to the control. Also, all biochemical parameters, including hematology profiles, erythrocyte counts, and serum biochemical values were in normal ranges. In histopathological examinations of liver and kidney tissues, there were no significant differences between the control group and the group fed irradiated chocolate ice cream. These results indicate that chocolate ice cream irradiated at 30 kGy did not cause any toxic effects and could be applied for the development of safe and hygienic space food.

Repeated dose toxicity study of Vibrio cholerae-loaded gastro-resistant microparticles

Context: Microencapsulation of antigens has been extensively studied over the last decades aiming at improving the immunogenicity of vaccine candidates.Objective: Addressing microparticles (MPs) toxicity in rats.Material and methods: Spray-dried Eudragit® L 30 D-55 MPs and Eudragit® L 30 D-55 alginate MPs were elaborated and characterized. MPs obtained were administered to rats, three groups were defined: G1, control group; G2, administered with Vibrio cholerae (VC)-loaded MPs; G3, receiving VC-loaded alginate MPs. Animals received three vaccine doses. Body weight, food and water intake were controlled during the study. Haematological parameters, vibriocidal titres, organ weight and histology in necropsy were also analyzed.Results: All animals grew healthy. Body weight gain, food and water intake and haematological parameters remained within physiological values, showing no treatment-related differences. Moreover, organ weight changes were not detected and animals developed protective vibriocidal titres.Conclusion: VC-loaded MPs and VC-loaded alginate MPs have proved to be safe and effective in the assessed conditions.

Temporal Concordance Between Apical and Transcriptional Points of Departure for Chemical Risk Assessment

The number of legacy chemicals without toxicity reference values combined with the rate of new chemical development is overwhelming the capacity of the traditional risk assessment paradigm. More efficient approaches are needed to quantitatively estimate chemical risks. In this study, rats were dosed orally with multiple doses of six chemicals for 5 days and 2, 4, and 13 weeks. Target organs were analyzed for traditional histological and organ weight changes and transcriptional changes using microarrays. Histological and organ weight changes in this study and the tumor incidences in the original cancer bioassays were analyzed using benchmark dose (BMD) methods to identify noncancer and cancer points of departure. The dose-response changes in gene expression were also analyzed using BMD methods and the responses grouped based on signaling pathways. A comparison of transcriptional BMD values for the most sensitive pathway with BMD values for the noncancer and cancer apical endpoints showed a high degree of correlation at all time points. When the analysis included data from an earlier study with eight additional chemicals, transcriptional BMD values for the most sensitive pathway were significantly correlated with noncancer (r = 0.827, p = 0.0031) and cancer-related (r = 0.940, p = 0.0002) BMD values at 13 weeks. The average ratio of apical-to-transcriptional BMD values was less than two, suggesting that for the current chemicals, transcriptional perturbation did not occur at significantly lower doses than apical responses. Based on our results, we propose a practical framework for application of transcriptomic data to chemical risk assessment.

Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide

Forty male and 40 female Crl:SD® CD® IGS rats were fed diets containing 0, 40,000, 80,000, or 120,000 ppm tamarind seed polysaccharide (equivalent to 3450.8, 6738.9, or 10 597.1 mg/kg bw/day and 3602.1, 7190.1, or 10,690.7 mg/kg bw/day for males and females, respectively) for 28 days. Animals were observed for adverse clinical signs, body weight, feed consumption, hematology and clinical chemistry parameters, urinalysis values were recorded, and at the end of the study the rats underwent a full necropsy. Functional Observational Battery (FOB) and Motor Activity (MA) tests were performed on all animals. There were no mortalities, no clinical or ophthalmologic signs, body weight, body weight gain, food consumption and food efficiency, FOB or MA findings associated with the administration of tamarind seed polysaccharide. Initial statistically significant decreases in body weight gain and food consumption resolved after the first week and were considered the result of reduced palatability. There were no adverse changes in hematology, coagulation, clinical chemistry or urinalysis parameters in male or female rats considered the result of test substance administration. At necropsy, there were no macroscopic, histopathological findings, estrus cycle, or organ weight changes deemed related to administration of the test substance. Under the conditions of this study and based on the toxicological endpoints evaluated, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for tamarind seed polysaccharide in the diet was the highest concentration tested of 120,000 ppm (equivalent to 10,597 mg/kg bw/day and 10,691 mg/kg bw/day for male and female rats, respectively).

Evaluation of newly developed herbal oral suspension for spermatotoxic activity on male Wistar albino rats

AimThe present study was made to evaluate the spermatotoxic effect of three newly formulated herbal oral male contraceptive suspensions (HOCS-M) namely, HOCS-M-I, HOCS-M-II, and HOCS-M-III, consisting of therapeutically active extracts of the three plants in varying combinations/ratios. MethodThe method mainly involves the administration of different combinations of HOCS-M to rats in group III, IV and group V respectively, along with normal and vehicle controls and their by studying the changes in reproductive organ weights and sperm morphology consisting of counts, motility and abnormalities of the cauda epididymal sperm adapting light microscopy. ResultsFinding of this study revealed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the weights of the testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle in HOCS-M treated rats when compared with vehicle control. The sperm concentration in the epididymis and sperm motility decreased, whereas sperm abnormalities increased and also the duration of sperm motility reduced with respect to different formulations, more over the formulation namely HOCS-M-III shown significant spermatotoxic effect among the other formulations. Thus the results indicate disruption of the spermatogenic as well as androgenic compartment. ConclusionFrom present study it can be concluded that HOCS-M-III is capable to suppress male fertility without altering general metabolism.

Evaluation of anti-fertility activity of herbal oral contraceptive suspension on male Wistar albino rats

AimThis study was aimed to evaluate a marked anti-fertility activity of herbal oral contraceptive suspension containing methanol extracts of plants Carica papaya leaves and Capparis aphylla aerial part, known to be potent contraceptive activity in folklore/ancient Indian literature. MethodThe method mainly involves the administration of different doses namely 200, 300 & 400 mg/kg of HOCS (herbal oral contraceptive suspension) to rats in group II, III & IV respectively, along with control dose and their by studying the changes in body and reproductive organ weights and sperm morphology consisting of sperm count, motility and abnormalities reproductive organ histology. ResultsFinding of this study revealed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the weights of reproductive organs like testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle in HOCS treated rats when compared with control. The sperm concentration in the epididymis and sperm motility decreased, whereas sperm abnormalities increased and also the duration of sperm motility reduced with respect to different doses of HOCS. Thus the results indicate disruption of the spermatogenic as well as androgenic properties. ConclusionFrom present study it can be concluded that HOCS is capable to suppress male fertility without altering general metabolism.

In vivoeffects ofEurycoma longifoliaJack (Tongkat Ali) extract on reproductive functions in the rat

An aqueous extract of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali; TA) roots is traditionally used to enhance male sexuality. Because previous studies are limited to only few sperm parameters or testosterone concentration, this study investigated the in vivo effects of TA on body and organ weight as well as functional sperm parameters in terms of safety and efficacy in the management of male infertility. Forty-two male rats were divided into a control, low-dose (200mgkg(-1) BW) and high-dose (800mgkg(-1) BW) group (n=14). Rats were force-fed for 14days and then sacrificed. Total body and organ weights of the prostate, testes, epididymides, gastrocnemius muscle and the omentum were recorded. Moreover, testosterone concentration, sperm concentration, motility, velocity, vitality, acrosome reaction and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed. Whilst TA decreased BW by 5.7% (P=0.0276) and omentum fat by 31.9% (P=0.0496), no changes in organ weights were found for the prostate, testes and epididymides. Testosterone concentration increased by 30.2% (P=0.0544). Muscle weight also increased, yet not significantly. Whilst sperm concentration, total and progressive motility and vitality increased significantly, MMP improved markedly (P=0.0765) by 25.1%. Because no detrimental effect could be observed, TA appears safe for possible treatment of male infertility and ageing male problems.

Antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of a water-soluble low molecular weight polysaccharide from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill

A water-soluble low molecular weight polysaccharide (SCPP11) was extracted and purified using DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-100 column from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. Its in vivo and in vitro antitumor and immunomodulatory activity were investigated. The results showed that SCPP11 with a molecular weight of 3.4×10(3)Da exhibited indirect cyctotoxic activity against tumor cells in vitro, but could significantly inhibit the growth of Heps cells in vivo at dose of 50mg/kg, and its inhibition rate is higher than that in the positive group. Moreover, SCPP11 could ameliorate the hematological and biochemical parameters to almost normal and no significant changes in organ weight, and could increase the body weight. In addition, SCPP11 (at 50mg/kg) could also increased in thymus indexes as well as IL-2 and TNF-α levels in serum in vivo and significantly enhance the phagocytosis activity and the productions of NO of RAW264.7 in vitro. The results indicated that antitumor properties of SCPP11 might be achieved by improving immune response. It could be explored as a potential adjuvant against cancer used in the health food and pharmaceutical therapy.

Effects of pyperonyl butoxide on the female reproductive tract in rats

This study was investigated the effects of piperonyl butoxide (PBO) on the female reproductive tract. Female Crj:Donryu rats were fed a basal diet containing 5,000, 10,000 or 20,000 ppm PBO for 28 days, and compared with food-restricted rats of comparable body weights to those in the PBO 10,000 or 20,000 ppm groups. Although treatment with 20,000 ppm PBO for 28 days depressed body weight gain, the abnormal estrous cyclicity, mainly prolonged diestrus, was also induced by the PBO treatment which was not correlated with body weight change. 20,000 ppm PBO treatment markedly decreased uterine weights and slightly decreased ovarian weights. 10,000 and 20,000 ppm PBO treatment increased liver weights. These cycle and organ weight changes were linked to atrophic uterus and increased atretic follicles in the ovary. In hormone assays, PBO at both doses reduced serum E2 levels, but did not affect corticosterone levels. An anti-uterotrophic assay showed a slight but significant decrease in absolute uterine weight and a reduction of endometrial epithelium height in the 20,000 ppm group. PBO was positive in an ER α antagonist reporter gene assay, although the activity was much weaker than that of 4-hydroxytamoxifen. These results indicate that high-dose PBO treatment directly induces atrophic changes in the female reproductive tract in rats, and these effects are likely the result of a hypoestrogenic state and the anti-estrogenic activity of PBO.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Cestrum nocturnum Leaves in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Objective. To investigate antidiabetic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Cestrum nocturnum leaves in Wistar rats. Method. Cestrum nocturnum leaves extract in hydroalcoholic solution were prepared by Soxhletation method and stored in refrigerator at 4°C for two days before use. Wistar rats were made diabetic by a single dose of streptozotocin (150 mg/kg i.p.). Hydroalcoholic leaves extract of Cestrum nocturnum was screened for antidiabetic activity and given to the STZ-induced diabetic rats at a concentration of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of body weight in different groups of 6 diabetic rats each orally once a day for 15 days. Metformin is also given to another group to support the result at a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight orally once a day for 15 days. Blood glucose levels and body weights of rats were measured on 0, 5, 7, and 15th days. Results. Oral administration of the extracts for 15 days caused a significant (P < 0.01) reduction in blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. The body weight of diabetic animals was also improved after daily administration of extracts. The extract also improved other altered biochemical parameters associated with diabetes. Also the changes in food intake, water intake, and weight of internal organs were also restored to normal by the prolonged effect of extract treatment.

Organ Weight Changes Associated With Body Mass Index Determined From a Medical Autopsy Population

Existing organ weight charts used by pathologists for patients undergoing medical autopsy do not illustrate the effect of obesity and age on organ weights among a general population of older individuals with multiple comorbidities. We retrospectively reviewed 300 medical autopsy reports to extract data to analyze the effect of obesity and age on organ weights. In both men and women, there were statistically significant increases in organ weights with body mass index (BMI) but decreases with age for liver, spleen, and kidneys. In men, increased age was associated with increased left ventricular wall thickness, whereas increased BMI was associated with increased heart weight. In women, only BMI was associated with changes in all 3 anatomic cardiac parameters (heart weight and thickness of the right and left ventricular walls). Age effects were not observed for heart parameters in women. Thyroid weight increased with BMI in men but not in women. The findings demonstrate changes in organ weights/sizes with obesity and age in a population of patients with multiple comorbidities. The differential effects of age and BMI on the heart between men and women raise the possibility that increased BMI in women may have a greater impact on cardiovascular causes of death than that in men.

감마선 조사 타락죽의 3개월 반복투여 독성평가

This study was conducted to evaluate the possible subacute toxicity of gamma-irradiated Tarakjuk. Tarakjuk was irradiated at a dose of 30 kGy at room temperature. For the animal study, AIN-93G as a control diet and 30 kGy irradiated and non-irradiated Tarakjuk diets were administered to male and female ICR mice (10 mice per group) for 3 months. During the experimental period, the group fed 30 kGy irradiated Tarakjuk did not show any changes in appearance, behavior, mortality, body weight, organ weight, or food consumption compared to control. Further, all biochemical parameters were in normal ranges. In the histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissues of ICR mice, there were no significant differences between the control and 30 kGy irradiated Tarakjuk groups. These results indicate that Tarakjuk irradiated at 30 kGy did not cause any toxic effects under these experimental conditions.