Weight Of Vital Organs Research Articles

Safety evaluation of a standardized phytochemical composition extracted from Bacopa monnieri in Sprague–Dawley rats

BacoMind™ is an enriched phytochemical composition derived from Bacopa monnieri, a common medicinal plant having multiple uses in the traditional system of medicine and particularly used as a memory enhancing agent for centuries. The plant and its extracts have been evaluated for anti-inflammatory, cardio tonic, sedative and neuro-muscular blocking activities. In view of the extensive use of this plant, BacoMind™, standardized to bioactive compounds was evaluated in a series of toxicity studies, to confirm the safety of its usage. BacoMind™, on single oral administration had a median lethal dose of 2400 mg/kg in Sprague–Dawley rats. In a 14 day repeated dose oral toxicity study in rats, except for mild lowering in body weight gain in male rats, it was found to be tolerated well up to the dose of 500 mg/kg. A subchronic oral toxicity study for 90 days in rats at the dose levels of 85, 210 and 500 mg/kg did not reveal any evidence of toxicity with respect to clinical signs, neurological examination, food consumption, body weight gain, haematological and blood biochemistry parameters. The absolute and relative organ weight of vital organs did not differ significantly from that of the control. Necropsy and histopathological examination, did not reveal any remarkable and treatment related changes. A no-observed adverse effect level of 500 mg/kg body weight was established in rats.

Toxicological assessment of the aqueous root extract of Sanseviera liberica Gerome and Labroy (Agavaceae)

The aqueous root extract of Sanseviera liberica (SL) is used in African folklore medicine for ailments including chronic pain, inflammatory conditions, and convulsive disorders. Because of the potential for long-term uses, the study investigated the acute and subchronic toxicity patterns of the plant. Acute toxicity tests were carried out in mice, and the median lethal dose was estimated. Subchronic (52 days) studies were conducted in rats with oral daily doses of 80, 400 and 2000 mg/kg. Parameters observed for at the end of chronic tests included changes in body and vital organ weights, mortality, haematological, biochemical, hepatic and male reproductive effects. SL did not produce any visible toxicities or mortality with oral doses up to 20 g/kg within 14 days of single treatment, but i.p. administration caused mortalities with LD 50 of 668.3 ± 47.6 mg/kg. In the chronic tests, neither mortality nor visible signs of lethality was seen in rats. No significant change in the weight of the kidney, liver, heart and spleen, but at 400 mg/kg, a significant reduction in weight of the lungs was recorded. Significant increases in the weight of testes, sperm count and motility was produced. There were no changes in the sperm head and tail abnormalities, but significant increases in the percentage normal sperm cells. Biochemical parameters like the AST and ALT were not affected, but significant increase in ALP and uric acid levels, at 2 g/kg, was detected. Significant increase and decrease in RBC and WBC were recorded, respectively, but no changes in levels of PCV and Hb. Results indicate that oral doses of SL are relatively safe in rats; however, assessment of hepato-biliary function should be done during chronic use in humans.

Safety evaluation of pigment containing Aspergillus carbonarius biomass in albino rats

Aspergillus carbonarius, an ascomycetes fungus, is known to produce pectinase in solid-state fermentation. A mutant strain of A. carbonarius UV-10046 selected for temperature tolerance over produced polygalacturonase and during growth accumulated an yellow pigment in its biomass. Since the colored fungus suggested its application for food use, the freeze-dried biomass was evaluated to assess its safety in experimental animals. Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies were conducted on both sexes of albino rats. Feeding acute doses of A. carbonarius freeze-dried biomass at 0.5–5.0 g/kg body weight to adult rats did not show any symptoms of toxicity or mortality of the rats. Similarly, dietary feeding of A. carbonarius at 0.25–2.0% level (w/w) for 14 weeks did not produce any significant changes in food intake or gain in body weight of the experimental rats compared to control rats. There were no significant differences in the relative weight of vital organs, hematological parameters, macroscopic and microscopic changes in vital organs and serum enzyme levels between the experimental and control groups. The results clearly showed that acute and sub-acute oral feeding of freeze-dried whole cells of A. carbonarius mutant for 14 weeks did not produce any toxic effects in male and female rats.

Toxicity assessment of the aqueous root extract of Sanseviera Liberica (Agavaceae)

The aqueous root extract of Sanseviera liberica Ger, & Labr. (SL) is used in African folklore medicine for ailments including chronic pain and inflammatory conditions, and convulsive disorders [1]. Because of the potential for long term uses, the study investigated the acute and subchronic toxicity patterns of the plant. Acute oral & i.p. toxicity tests were carried out in mice; and the median lethal dose estimated [2]. Subchronic (52 days) studies were conducted in rats with oral daily doses of 80, 400 & 2000mg/kg, which represented 1/ 5 [3], active dose and 5x the pharmacologically active dose [4], respectively. Parameters observed at the end of chronic tests included changes in body & vital organ weights, mortality, haematological, biochemical, hepatic and male reproductive effects [3, 4]. SL did not produce any visible toxicities or mortality with oral doses up to 20g/kg within 14 days of single treatment, but i.p. administration caused mortalities with LD50 of 668.3mg/kg. In the chronic tests, neither mortality nor visible signs of lethality was seen in rats. No significant change in the weight of the kidney, liver, heart and spleen, but at 400mg/kg, a significant reduction in weight of the lungs. Significant increases in the weight of testes, sperm count and motility was produced. There were no changes in the sperm head and tail abnormalities, but significant increases in the % normal sperm cells. Biochemical parameters like the AST, ALT and uric acid were not affected, but significant increase in ALP level at 2g/kg was produced. Significant increase in RBC was recorded, but no changes in levels of PCV and Hb. Results indicate that oral doses of SL are safe, but assessment of hepato-biliary function be done during chronic uses.

Características das partes do corpo não-integrantes da carcaça de novilhos jovens e superjovens de diferentes grupos genéticos

Objetivou-se, com este estudo, avaliar os componentes do corpo não-integrantes da carcaça de novilhos jovens (abatidos aos 22,8 meses de idade) e superjovens (abatidos aos 15,2 meses de idade) dos grupos genéticos 5/8 Charolês (CH) 3/8 Nelore (NE) e 5/8NE 3/8CH e a relação entre as variáveis estudadas. Os animais foram terminados em confinamento até atingirem 430 kg. A dieta alimentar continha relação volumoso:concentrado de 60:40 (base na matéria seca), com 10,25% de proteína bruta e 3,18 Mcal de energia digestível/kg de matéria seca. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com seis repetições, em arranjo fatorial 2 x 2 (duas categorias x dois grupos genéticos). Houve similaridade para peso de abate (PAB) e peso de corpo vazio (PCV) entre categorias e grupos genéticos. Quando os componentes foram expressos em valores absolutos e ajustados para PCV e PAB, novilhos jovens apresentaram maiores pesos de coração, fígado, omaso vazio e total de órgãos vitais, e novilhos superjovens apresentaram maiores pesos de couro, gordura renal, gordura de toalete e total de gorduras internas. Enquanto novilhos 5/8CH 3/8NE apresentaram maiores pesos de fígado, gordura renal, total de órgãos vitais e sangue, aos novilhos 5/8NE 3/8CH corresponderam os maiores pesos de couro e total de componentes externos. Quando ajustado para PCV, novilhos jovens apresentaram maiores pesos dos componentes pulmão, rúmen+retículo vazio e total de trato digestivo vazio, ao passo que novilhos 5/8CH 3/8NE apresentaram maior peso total de trato digestivo vazio. Cada kg de gordura intermuscular depositada na carcaça representou aumento de 0,006 pontos no estado corporal ao abate, 0,113 mm na espessura de gordura subcutânea, 0,253 kg na gordura ruminal+visceral, 0,089 kg na gordura renal, 0,076 kg na gordura de toalete e 0,040 kg na gordura inguinal. Houve relação positiva entre exigência de energia líquida de mantença e peso dos componentes dos órgãos vitais.

Healing effect on chronic gastric ulcers and short-term toxicity profile of the leaf methanol extract of <i>Ocimum suave</i> Wild (Lamiaceae) in rats

The gastric cytoprotective actions of the extract of Ocimum suave wild (lamiaceae) have previously been demonstrated. We have investigated here the healing effect of the leaf methanol extract of Ocimum suave against chronic gastric ulcers induced in experimental rats. Chronic gastric ulcers were induced using acetic acid and the induced ulcers treated over a period of two weeks using daily oral doses (125 – 500 mg/kg) of the extract. Possible toxic effects of the extract given in the short term were also investigated. The extract reduced ulcer indices from 50.40 in the 4-day controls to 11.8, 5.8, and 3.6, respectively, for the rats receiving 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg of the extract. The highest dose of the extract (500 mg/kg) showed a highly significant (P < 0.001) reduction of ulceration with a corresponding healing rate of 81.25 per cent. Treatment with the plant extract was also associated with a significant increase in mucus production up to 57 per cent (P < 0.01) for the 500 mg/kg dose. A similar increase in mucus production was not observed with ranitidine although it generated a healing rate of 66 per cent. No apparent toxicity signs were observed through food and fluid intakes, vital organ weights, animal behaviour, stool texture, red and white blood cell counts and histopathological evaluation. The results of the present study show that in addition to the previously demonstrated cytoprotective antiulcer actions of the leaf methanol extract of O. suave, the extract also possesses potent healing effects against chronic gastric ulcers. Enhanced mucus production appears to play a significant role in the mode of action of the extract

Safety evaluation of formulations containing carboxymethyl derivatives of starch and chitosan in albino rats

Two composite formulations, based on carboxymethyl derivatives of starch (formulation I) and chitosan (formulation II), used in the preparation of coating formulations to enhance post harvest shelf-life of fruits and vegetables, were evaluated for safety by single dose dietary (formulation I, coating on feed pellet-1.3% w/w and formulation II, coating on feed pellet-1% w/w) and oral (1 ml, 2% aqueous solution) administration to albino rats. Experiment was carried out for 4 weeks. No significant changes were observed in gain in weekly body weight, weight of vital organs and in parameters of haematology and histopathology among experimental groups, thus indicating safety (and non-toxicity) of the coating formulations.

Toxicity studies in mice of Commiphora molmol oleo–gum–resin

Acute (24 h) and chronic (90 days) oral toxicity studies on Commiphora molmol (oleo–gum–resin) were carried out in mice. Dosages in acute study were 0.5, 1.0 and 3 g/kg, while in chronic study dosage was 100 mg/kg per day. All external morphological, biochemical and haematological changes, in addition to body and vital organ weights were recorded. There was no significant difference in mortality in acute or chronic treatment as compared to controls. At the end of the treatment, weight gain in the treated as well as control group was significant. There was a significant increase in weight of testes, caudae epididymides and seminal vesicles in C. molmol treated group. Biochemical studies revealed no differences in C. molmol treated animals, however, haematological studies revealed a significant increase in RBC and haemoglobin levels as compared to the control group. C. molmol failed to show any spermatotoxic effects.

Effect of substitution of groundnut with high glucosinolate mustard ( Brassica juncea) meal on nutrient utilization, growth, vital organ weight and blood composition of lambs

Twenty-four 14-day-old weaner Avivastra (Russian Merino×Nali) male lambs were maintained for 180 days on ad libidum Cenchrus ( Cenchrus ciliaris) hay and concentrate mixture (CM) contained groundnut meal (control) and mustard meal (MM group) as major protein source. The two CMs were isonitrogenous (21% CP) and isocaloric (2.78 Mcal ME kg −1 DM), while, CM fed to MM group contained 24.6 mg glucosinolates g −1 DM. Digestibility of nutrients was similar ( P>0.05) in the two groups except for CP and hemicellulose, which was higher ( P<0.05) in control. Urinary N loss was higher ( P<0.01) in control than in MM group, whereas N retention (% of N intake and absorbed) was higher ( P<0.01) in MM group compared to control. Dry matter (g kg −1 BW) and glucosinolate intakes were higher in MM fed group, whereas DCP and ME intakes were similar ( P>0.05) in the two groups. Average daily gain (ADG) was, however, 22% higher ( P<0.01) in control than in MM group. Hemoglobin and albumin contents were lower ( P<0.01) in MM group than in control. Serum thiocyanate content was 26.7 μg g −1 in MM fed group, while it was not detected in control group. Thyroid weight was higher ( P<0.01) while liver and kidney weights were lower ( P<0.01) in MM group. Meat from dissected carcass of control group contained more protein and less fat, whereas the reverse was noticed in MM group. It is concluded that feeding mustard meal as protein supplement reduced growth rate and induced iodine deficiency. Carcass of lambs fed mustard meal had more fat and less protein.

Abnormal allometric size of vital body organs among sudden infant death syndrome victims.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) victims are difficult to describe physically because they seem outwardly indistinguishable in nearly all characteristics from infants (alive or dead) of comparable chronological age. Relative (allometric) size of vital organ and body weights has not been examined among SIDS victims. In the present study, autopsy organ and body weights for 152 SIDS deaths (1-12 months) were compared with the results of 115 controls that were trauma or illness-related death (0.25-12 months). A pattern of abnormal relative size in vital organs (brain, heart, liver, and kidney) was revealed. In allometric regressions, increase in the weights of the organs relative to total body weight among SIDS victims were approximately three times the increase among controls in the first year of life. This finding indicates a disturbance of normal patterns of vital organ size of SIDS victims that is of unknown etiology. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 12:382-387, 2000. Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Assessment of Debitterized Fenugreek Powder in the Mouse and Rat

Increased human use of fenugreek seeds ( Trigonella foenum graecum) entails the generation of toxicity data in experimental animals. In this investigation, toxic effects of debitterized fenugreek (DFG) powder have been assessed following acute and subchronic regimens in mice and rats. In the acute study, DFG powder intragastrically administered to albino mice (CFT-Swiss, Mus musculus) and albino rats (CFT-Wistar, Rattus norvegicus) of both sexes failed to induce any signs of toxicity or mortality up to a maximum practical dosage of 2 and 5 g/kg body weight, respectively. Further, no significant alterations either in relative organ weights or their histology were discernible at terminal autopsy. In the 90-day subchronic study, DFG fed to weanling rats of both sexes at dietary doses of 0, 1, 5 and 10% in a pure diet had no effect either on the daily food intake or growth. Terminal autopsy revealed no alterations in relative organ weights of various vital organs, or their histoarchitecture. Haematological constants in DFG-fed rats were on par with those of controls. Further, biochemical measurements in serum and liver of DFG-fed rats revealed no appreciable changes in various parameters such as enzyme levels of GPT , GOT and ALP, as well as many serum constituents such as proteins, cholesterol, urea and creatinine at any of the dietary levels. From these results, it may be concluded that DFG does not produce any significant acute and cumulative toxicity at the doses administered, as reflected by the various parameters investigated.

Toxicological assessment of the yeast Rhodotorula gracilis in experimental animals

Rhodotorula gracilis is an oleaginous yeast known to synthesize lipids and carotenoid pigments. In this study, the toxicological evaluation of a locally isolated strain, R. gracilis CFR-1, in freeze-dried form has been studied to assess its safety as a source of natural colorant and nutritional additive in experimental animals. Acute and subacute studies on freeze-dried R. gracilis were conducted on both sexes of albino rats. Acute doses of R. gracilis at 0.5–6.0 g/kg body weight (w/w) did not show any symptoms of toxicity nor mortality of the adult rats. Feeding of low concentrations of R. gracilis at the 0.1–2.0% level (w/w) for 14 weeks did not induce any significant change in food intake and gain in body weight of the experimental rats compared to control animals. There were no significant differences in the absolute and relative weights of vital organs, hematological parameters, macroscopic and microscopic changes in vital organs and serum enzyme levels between the experimental and control groups. The fecal matter of R. gracilis-fed rats did not show any viable cells. The results clearly show that acute and subacute oral feeding of freeze-dried whole cells of R. gracilis for 14 weeks did not produce any toxic effects on male and female rats.

Toxicity Assessment Of Phycocyanin - A Blue Colorant From Blue Green Alga Spirulina platensis

Phycocyanin, a blue colorant from the cyanobacterium (blue green alga) Spirulina platensis was evaluated for its safety as a natural food colour by toxicity evaluation studies in albino rats. Acute and subchronic studies on phycocyanin were conducted on both sexes of albino rats. Phycocyanin at high concentrations‐ 0.25 to 5.0 g/kg body weight (w/w) did not induce any symptoms of toxicity nor mortality of the animals. Feeding of low concentrations of phycocyanin at 0.5 to 4.0 g/kg in the diet for 14 weeks did not affect food intake or body weight gain of phycocyanin‐fed rats compared to control animals. Terminal values on absolute and relative weights of vital organs, hematology and serum enzymes did not reveal any differences between phycocyanin‐fed and control groups. Histological examination of vital organs did not show any remarkable differences between treated and control groups. Overall, consumption of phycocyanin, a natural colorant from Spirulina platensis did not result in adverse effects in experimental animals.

Toxicity studies in mice of common spices, Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark and Piper longum fruits.

Acute (24 hours) and chronic (90 days) oral toxicity studies on the ethanolic extracts of common spices Cinnamomum zeylanicum Nees bark and Piper longum L. fruits were carried out in mice. Acute dosages were 0.5, 1.0 and 3 g/kg while the chronic dosage was 100 mg/kg/day. All external morphological, hematological and spermatogenic changes, in addition to body weight and vital organ weights, were recorded. The extracts of both the plants caused no significant acute or chronic mortality compared to the control during this study. During chronic treatment there was no significant change in the pre- and post treatment body weight of the test animals while the weight gain in the control group was significant. C. zeylanicum treatment caused reduction in liver weight while P. longum caused a significant increase in the weight of the lungs and spleen of the treated animals compared to the control. Hematological studies revealed a significant fall in hemoglobin level of C. zeylanicum treated animals. Both of the extracts induced a significant increase in reproductive organ weights, sperm motility, sperm count and failed to illicit any spermatotoxic effect.

Toxicity studies on Alpinia galanga and Curcuma longa.

Acute (24 h) and chronic (90 days) oral toxicity studies on the ethanolic extracts of the rhizomes of Alpinia galanga and Curcuma longa were carried out in mice. Acute dosages were 0.5, 1.0, and 3 g/kg body weight while the chronic dosage was 100 mg/kg/day as the extract. All external morphological, hematological, and spermatogenic changes, in addition to body weight and vital organ weights were recorded. During this investigation no significant mortality as compared to the controls was observed. The weight gain in the A. galanga treated animals was significant as in the control group while the C. longa-treated animals gained no significant weight after chronic treatment. C. longa treatment induced significant changes in heart and lungs weights upon chronic treatment. Hematological studies revealed a significant rise in the RBC level of A. galanga-treated animals and a significant fall in the WBC and RBC levels of the C. longa-treated animals as compared to the controls. The gain in weights of sexual organs and increased sperm motility and sperm counts were observed in both groups of extract-treated male mice, however, these changes were highly significant in the A. galanga-treated group. Both extracts failed to show any spermatotoxic effects.

Toxicity studies in mice of ethanol extracts of Foeniculum vulgare fruit and Ruta chalepensis aerial parts

Acute (24-h) and chronic (90-day) oral toxicity studies on the ethanolic extracts of Foeniculum vulgare fruit and Ruta chalepensis aerial parts were carried out in mice. Acute dosages were 0.5, 1.0 and 3 g kg while the chronic dosage was 100 mg kg per day of extract. All external morphological, haematological and spermatogenic changes, in addition to body and vital organ weights were recorded. The extracts caused no significant acute or chronic mortality as compared to controls during this investigation. The treated male mice gained significant weight during chronic treatment while a loss or no significant change in weight was noticed in the female mice treated with the same extracts. Haematological studies revealed a significant fall in RBC level of R. chalepensis-treated animals. Both the extracts failed to show spermatotoxic effects.

Effect of maternal dietary hexachlorocyclohexane exposure on pup survival and growth in albino rats

In adult albino rats, maternal dietary beta- and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) intake during gestation upto 400 ppm level did not affect the number of litters produced. But about 50 and 100% pup mortality was found in 200 and 400 ppm beta-HCH group within 5 days of birth. Maternal mortality was observed in 800 ppm beta-HCH group during third week of gestation. The effect of maternal dietary intake of HCH isomers at 50 and 250 ppm level during gestation and/or lactation on perinatal development was also studied. The body weights and sizes of the newborn litters of mother rats exposed to dietary HCH isomers did not differ from controls. Similarly, the growth and development of the litters of HCH exposed mother rats that survived 28 day lactation period were found to be comparable to controls as evidenced by the body weight and weight of vital organs. However, liver weight increases were found in the 28 days weaned litters wherever the mothers had been exposed to HCH isomers during lactation. Lowered kidney weight was seen in litters of mother rats fed 250 ppm gamma-HCH during gestation and lactation. The brain and testis weights were not affected in the litters of any experimental groups.

The Effects of Long-Term Sustained Delivery of Dihydrotestosterone by Poly(lactic acid) Impregnated and Noncoated Biodegradable Ceramic Devices in Male Rodents

The objectives of this investigation were to evaluate the release of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from nonimpregnated and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) impregnated ALCAP ceramic reservoirs implanted in male rats, and to study the effects of delivered DHT on the reproductive system of male rats. A total of 120 Sprague-Dawley male albino rats were distributed equally into three groups. Two ALCAP capsules, one nonimpregnated and the other impregnated with PLA, were implanted in each rat in groups I and II. Capsules implanted in group I rats were loaded with 40 mg DHT each. Group II rats were implanted with two empty capsules (sham group), and group III animals served as un implanted controls. Eight rats from each group were euthanized at the end of the one, three, six, nine, and twelve months following the implantation of the ceramics. No significant changes in the weights of vital organs of rats were observed among any of the three different groups. Vas deferens and epididymal fluid were devoid of normal spermatozoa within three months of implanting the steroid-containing ceramics. Testes weights decreased significantly in the rats implanted with ALCAP ceramics containing DHT and the seminiferous tubules became oligospermic after one month and azoospermic after three months. The data collected in this study suggest that: (1) ALCAP ceramic cap sules are capable of delivering DHT for one year at a sustained manner; (2) DHT delivered by ALCAP capsules can be used effectively to regulate sperma togenesis in rats.

Long‐term delivery of testosterone by ALCAP ceramic implants in rats

The capability of ALCAP ceramic drug-delivery implantable devices to release testosterone for 12 months was investigated. A total of 120 Sprague-Dawley male albino rats were distributed equally into three groups. Two ALCAP capsules, one nonimpregnated and the other impregnated with polylactic acid (PLA) were implanted into each rat in Groups I and II. Capsules implanted into Group I rats were loaded with 40 mg testosterone (T) each. Group II rats were implanted with two empty capsules (sham group), and Group III animals served as unimplanted controls. Eight rats from each group were euthanized at the end of 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following the implantation of the ceramics. No significant changes in the weights of vital organs of rats were observed between any of the three different groups. Vas deferens and epididymal fluid were devoid of normal spermatozoa within 3 months of implanting the steroid-containing ceramics. Testes and epididymis weights decreased significantly in the rats implanted with ALCAP ceramics containing steroid, and the seminiferous tubules became oligospermic after 1 month and azoospermic after 3 months. Circulating levels of both LH and FSH hormones were suppressed in experimental rats. Serum T level was lower than the control but showed no significant difference in comparison to control rats. The data collected in this study suggest that: (a) ALCAP ceramic capsules are capable of delivering T in a sustained manner for 12 months; (b) T delivered by ALCAP capsules can be used effectively to regulate spermatogenesis in rats.

Preliminary toxicity studies on ethanol extracts of the aerial parts of Artemisia abyssinica and A. inculta in mice

Ethanolic extracts of the aerial parts of Artemisia abyssinica and A. inculta were subjected to acute toxicity observations in mice for 24 h and chronic toxicity evaluation for 3 months. External morphological changes, visceral toxicity, haematological changes, spermatogenic dysfunction and effect on body weight and vital organ weight were recorded. In both the chronically treated groups, no significant acute mortality was observed up to 3 g/kg p.o. There was no weight gain in A. abyssinica chronically-treated mice while the weight gain of A. inculta-treated animals matched that of the control group. Significant sperm damage was observed in A. abyssinica-treated mice while A. inculta failed to produce any significant spermatotoxic effect.