Toxicological evaluation of Sargassum Wightii greville derived fucoidan in wistar rats: Haematological, biochemical and histopathological evidences.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the acute and subacute toxicity profile of fucoidan obtained from Sargassum wightii Greville, a brown marine algae in order to assess its safety. METHODS: Fucoidan was isolated from Sargassum wightii Greviile and subjected to FTIR analysis to confirm the functional groups. In acute toxicity study, a single dose of fucoidan (2000 mg/kg) was orally administered to three female rats as per OECD guideline 423. OECD guidelines 407 was adopted for subacute toxicity study. Fucoidan was orally administered to male and female rats at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. Hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses were carried out. RESULTS: FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of major functional groups. The animals did not show any remarkable toxic signs or mortality in acute toxicity study at single oral administration of fucoidan at the dose of 2000 mg/kg bodyweight. In subacute toxicity, no statistically significant difference in body weight, relative weight of vital organs, food and water intake compared to the control group was observed. Serum glucose and cholesterol showed a statistically significant reduction at all the doses when compared to normal control and the reduction was in a dose dependent manner. There were no other changes observed in biochemical or haematological parameters. Histopathological analysis showed no significant toxic signs at organ levels in treated groups when compared to normal control. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results obtained from acute and subacute toxicity study, fucoidan is considered to be safe in the models tested, which encourages its long term administration for medicinal uses. This study supports the application of fucoidan as a traditional medicine.

Preclinical Evaluation of the Haematinic Activity of an Oral Indiffusible Mixture of Tamarindus indica L. Leaf Extract.

OBJECTIVES: Tamarindus indica L. is known to be a multipurpose traditional plant in India. It is used to treat some bacterial infections, parasitic infestations, constipation, and inflammation. It is also used as a blood tonic and for wound healing. This study was designed to substantiate the traditional claim of haematinic activity for T. indica. MATERIALS AND METHODS: T. indica leaf extract was formulated into an oral indiffusible mixture (TIM) and evaluated for its haematinic activity in phenylhydrazine (single dose of 10 mg/kg per oral for 8 days) induced anaemia. Wistar rats were grouped into six (n=6). Groups I and II served as normal control and disease control groups, respectively. Group III received the standard drug (haematinic suspension 2 mL/kg). Groups IV, V, and VI received the formulated oral indiffusible mixture of T. indica at a dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. RESULTS: The TIM was formulated and pharmaceutically optimized. It produced significant increases in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume and a decrease in mean corpuscular volume. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the treatment with TIM reversed phenylhydrazine induced anemia. However, the short duration of the present study is regarded as a limitation, and therefore a longer duration is required for obtaining better responses.

Phytochemical Screening and Toxicological Evaluation of Sargassum wightii Greville in Wistar Rats.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to identify the phytoconstituents present in different extracts of Sargassum wightii and to assess the toxicity of its ethanol extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Successive solvent extraction and total ethanol extraction of S. wightii were performed and preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out. The acute toxicity of ethanol extract of S. wightii (ESW) was studied. The subchronic toxicity of ESW was tested with doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. The animals were observed for changes in body weight and food and water intake. At the end of the study, the relative weights of vital organs were noted, followed by histopathological examinations. Various hematological and biochemical estimations were also carried out. RESULTS: Phytochemical screening of S. wightii revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, phenolic compounds, and tannins. ESW did not induce any mortality or pre-terminal death in the acute toxicity study. There were no significant differences in body weight, relative weight of vital organs (except the brain), or food or water intake compared to the control group. The histopathological examination showed normal architecture, suggesting absence of pathological lesions. Hematological and biochemical parameters were also comparable to those of the control group except for reductions in glucose and cholesterol levels, which are postulated to be beneficial. CONCLUSION: The presence of various phytoconstituents in S. wightii is evidence that it could be a potential source for treating different ailments. No significant toxic effects were observed after treatment with ESW. Thus, it is proposed to be safe and can be recommended for long-term treatment.