Subacute oral toxicity study of freeze-dried fruits of duhat (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) in ICR mice

Abstract

Duhat is one of the indigenous fruits in the Philippines that had been traditionally considered in prevention and management of non-communicable diseases including diabetes and hypertension. These underutilized fruits are rich in antioxidants and bioactive substances; however, studies investigating the possible toxic effects of duhat fruits grown in the Philippines using in vivo procedures are insufficient. This study investigated the subacute toxic effects of freeze-dried duhat (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) on ICR mice. A total of 10 male and 10 female 6-week-old ICR mice were divided into groups: control (vehicle) and duhat group given with freeze-dried duhat fruit powder reconstituted in distilled water at 2000 mg/kg BW dose through oral gavage for 28 days. Results revealed no significant changes on feed and water intake, blood chemistry and hematology parameters when compared with the control and published values. All mice groups also exhibited significant increases in body weights with zero morbidity and mortality. Gross and microscopic examination of the brain, heart, lungs, GI tract, liver, spleen, and kidneys also showed normal architecture suggesting no morphological abnormalities. The study concluded that repeated oral administrations of freeze-dried duhat fruits for 28 days are safe for consumption and has LD50 >2000 mg/kg or 162.16 mg/kg BW in human equivalent dose.