Acute and Sub-chronic Toxicity Study of the Extract and Powder of Operculina macrocarpa (L.) Urb. in Mice: Recent Perspectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the experimental acute and sub-chronic toxicities of Operculina
macrocarpa with plant extract and powder, respectively, in male and female mice. Phytochemical
prospection was performed with extract and administration in single doses by intraperitoneal route
to six groups and control at 1230, 970, 700, 350, 120 and 30 mg/kg doses and distilled water
(0.1 ml/10 g), respectively. Sub-chronic doses of 1230, 700, 30 mg/kg/day and satellite (1230
mg/kg/day) were administered orally in feed. Major endpoints included alterations in the central and
autonomic nervous system, water and food intake, body weight, hematological and biochemical
parameters. Phytochemical screening identified compounds: Alkaloids, flavonoids, xanthones,
leucoanthocyanidins and tannins condensate. In the acute study, mortality was observed with toxicity
signs to the central nervous system (CNS) at LD50 of 270 mg/kg. There were no significant changes in
water and food intake, body weight, haematological and biochemical parameters, and
histopathological examination in the sub-chronic study (p value). Results indicate that the oral
administration of O. macrocarpa powder in feed is less toxic and relatively safer.