Abstract
Background: Areca catechu Linn. (A. catechu L.), commonly known as “biji pinang” by the locals, belongs to botanical family Palmaceae. This plant is traditionally used in Indonesia as traditional ceremonial cultural role. The evaluation of toxic properties of A. catechu L. is crucial considering that this nut is one of predisposing factor in aetiology of oral cancer and its exposure may cause undesirable effect on health.
Objective: The purpose of the study was to test the acute oral toxicity of the extract of the plant.
Methods: The acute oral toxicity of A. catechu L. nuts extract was investigated in rats, as per OECD Guidelines 423 for acute protocols. The body weight, possibility of death, and activity parameters were measured for 14 days to ascertain the median lethal dose (LD50) of the extract. At the end of the study, all the animals in all the treated group were sacrified.
Results: The LD50 was found to be >15.000 mg/kg body weight. There was significant weight increase (p<0,05). No mortality was observed during the course of whole 14 days study period. No detectable alterations were found in activity parameter in treated group when compared to control group.
Conclusion: Overall, the results suggest that oral administration of aqueous extract of A. catechu L. did not produce any significant toxic effect in rats. Hence, the extract can be utilized for pharmaceutical formulations.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 20-22 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2014 |
Keywords
- Acute oral toxicity
- Areca catechu Linn
- Lethality