Sub-chronic toxicity study of arecae semen aqueous extract in Wistar rats

作者 Lin, Qinghua; Jia, Zhe; Xu, Xinfang; Xu, Shuya; Han, Ting; Gao, Yan; Zhang, Ying; Zhang, Hui; Liu, Huan; Li, Jian; Li, Xiangri

期刊 JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY , ,:

摘要 Ethnopharmacological relevance: Arecae semen, the ripe seed of Areca catechu L., has been used as vermifuge and digestant in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the potential toxicity effect of arecae semen has not been completely investigated.The aim of the study: The present study was aimed at evaluating the sub-chronic toxicity of arecae semen by oral administration in Wistar rats.Materials and methods: A total of 120 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (15 males and 15 females per group). The treated groups were given arecae semen aqueous extract (ASAE) at the dose of 750, 1500 and 4500 mg/kg/day by oral administration respectively, and the control group was received distilled water only. The rats and their consumed feed were weighted every 3 days. The clinical changes and mortality were observed and recorded daily. Hematological parameters, biochemical parameters, organ weights, urinalysis and histopathological examination of all rats were tested at the end of the 30-day treatment period and another 10-day recovery period.Results: Deaths, weight loss, diarrhea, sluggish action, tremors and body curl up were observed in the 1500 and 4500 mg/kg groups during the study. The relative organ weights of liver and testis in male rats of 4500 mg/kg group were significantly different compared with the control group at the end of the treatment period. As for laboratory parameters, there were no significant differences at the dose of 1500 and 4500 mg/kg groups compared with the control group in the study, except the white blood cell count (WBC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), glucose (GLU) and total cholesterol (CHOL). In addition, the results of histopathological examination and feed intake showed no significant difference compared with the control group.Conclusions: The results showed that ASAE at the dose of 750 mg/kg/day was safe, but Icing-term oral administration of ASAE with high dosage was toxic. Moreover, the toxic ingredients of ASAE including arecoline, and also some other compounds should be researched.

涉及物种 槟榔 Areca catechu